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Without question, one of the most frustrating things in running a hotel is the tendency of guests to reserve a room but then cancel at the last minute. Or just fail to turn up altogether. It’s not just the annoyance factor, though; last-minute cancellations or no-shows have a real impact on the profitability of your hotel. How do you manage to reduce no-shows and cancellations in your hotel?







Independent hotels may suffer from this inconvenience more than most, due to a tendency (whether real or perceived) to have more lenient policies than multi-site corporations. While there is no solution that could promise to reduce these incidents to zero (we’re dealing with humans, after all!). There are a few simple methods you can use to greatly reduce both the likelihood and the impact of cancellations you suffer from this year. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #1: Have a Fair, but Clear Cancellation Policy</h4>



As we touched on in the introduction, the key reason that independent hotels may suffer from an above-average number of no-shows or cancellations is the relative <a href="https://www.hotelminder.com/8-tips-to-reduce-last-minute-hotel-cancellations-and-no-shows">lack of a clear policy</a>. Even more patchy enforcement of the policy.&nbsp;



Review your policy now. See how it compares to those of your competitors. You can usually find these quite easily by browsing to the “terms and conditions” section of their website. Your cancellation policy needs to strike a balance of fairness for both you and the guest. All kinds of things can happen to disrupt the plans of a traveller, after all, so it’s only fair to them to allow them to cancel. 



The more notice they give, the less the impact on your hotel. So make sure your policy reflects this crucial fact. Many hotels allow free-of-charge cancellations provided there is at least 48 hours notice. Giving you some time to make the reservation available to another customer.&nbsp;



It may also be wise to consider a more stringent policy for particularly over-subscribed times of the year. For example over Christmas, or when a large event regularly takes place in your area. Again, make sure that this policy is easy to understand. All your staff have to know exactly what the special policy is and what dates it applies to. Finally that it compares favourably to the cancellation policies by your competitors for the same timeframe.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #2: Make Sure your Cancellation Policy is Published and Enforced!</h4>



This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many hotels have their cancellation policy buried away where customers will only have their attention drawn to it once it’s already too late.&nbsp;



Anyone that makes a reservation, whether online, via phone, or any other method, needs to be provided with a copy of your cancellation policy so they can’t claim ignorance of it later! Ideally, they should confirm their acceptance of the policy when they make the booking. At the very least their booking confirmation should include a clear reference to it. Even if it’s just a short summary with a link to the full policy on your website.&nbsp;



Make sure all staff are trained to refer to the policy and enforce it, politely explaining the costs involved if doing so causes push-back from the customer. If you decide to allow discretion in the enforcement of the policy, you should make it very clear who is allowed to exercise this discretion. Give examples of circumstances that might allow them to do so &#8211; for example, extreme weather conditions.&nbsp;



Finally, any <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/infographic-how-likely-are-people-to-act-on-promotions/">promotions</a> that you run, whether via email marketing or other advertising, should also include a clear reference to your cancellation policy. Best to cover all the bases!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #3: Encourage Guests to Communicate Changes to You&nbsp;</h4>



You should allow customers plenty of options to communicate any changes of their plans to you. Providing them with the option to submit a cancellation or re-schedule of their stay via email or live chat on your website will result in a reduction of no-show occurrences.&nbsp;



Some customers are just too embarrassed or shy to pick up the phone and have to explain to someone exactly why their plans have had to change! Give them as many options as possible to get in touch. Emphasise that you’re keen to hear from them and that you understand plans sometimes have to change at the last minute.&nbsp;



For example, if your policy states that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice have to be paid at the full rate. You could send a reminder email or text 36 hours before the reservation starts. Telling them that you are looking forward to seeing them and including all the ways they can let you know if their plans have had to change for any reason. Many <a href="https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4088497.html">hotel reservation systems</a> can be configured to send such reminders automatically. Though provided all the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-legally-and-safely-collect-and-use-customer-data-in-the-hotel-industry/">necessary information is captured</a> when the reservation is made initially.&nbsp;



Further reading: DIRECT BOOKING



Clear and consistent communication removes the worry of the unknown!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #4: Re-market Rooms that Become Available due to Cancellations</h4>



As we’ve covered, cancellations are a fact of life &#8211; you’ll never be able to avoid them altogether. Where many independent hotels are missing a trick is in taking advantage of the opportunity created by a cancellation. Use it to make an extra special offer available on the now vacant room.&nbsp;



A room cancellation, especially for one of your premium suites or stay options, give you a valid justification for letting someone else upgrade to. Even more book that room for a lower-than-usual cost. You will reap the rewards of a delighted guest (who will be more likely to tell others and share pictures of the room on their social media). In addition, you’ll recoup some of the monetary loss that the cancellation has caused.&nbsp;



You can advertise the cancelled room in various places. Your reception/bar, on the boards outside your property and of course on social media. Don’t forget your own database of customers, too. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">Email and text (SMS) marketing </a>are a powerful way to drive more traffic to your website and ultimately secure more bookings.&nbsp;



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/effective-email-marketing-tips-for-hotels/">https://stampede.ai/blog/effective-email-marketing-tips-for-hotels/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">In Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>



We hope these methods for managing this frustrating aspect of running a hotel have given you plenty to think about and implement in your establishment. 



Do you want to find out more about how our solution could help you stay in touch with your guests? Get in touch!



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The Reviews Toolkit

Word of mouth. The holy grail of marketing, the primordial promotor and notoriously hard to measure driver of new business. But what about the power of online reviews and recommendations?







Business owners and marketing professionals have always sought out word-of-mouth as the best method to attract new business. With all sorts of digital tools available nowadays designed to make word-of-mouth easier to generate than ever before.



In the hospitality industry, the task of getting new business from word-of-mouth depends heavily on reviews and recommendations. And normally these come from well-known websites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google and Facebook, making these websites pivotal in generating new business for hospitality venues like bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-research">Recent Research</h4>



In a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="recent survey (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/British-social-routines-and-connectivity-report.pdf" target="_blank">recent survey</a> we commissioned, 65% of respondents said that they never or rarely try new venues without a review or recommendation. Every review or recommendation counts when it comes to encouraging new business.



&#8220;But,&#8221; I here you say, &#8220;Don&#8217;t most people only leave a review when they have a bad experience?&#8221; &#8211; A natural thing to worry about, as these reviews would naturally count against your business.



Interestingly, we discovered that the notion that people are more likely to spread the word of negative experiences vs positive ones may not be entirely true.



Dispelling this myth, we found that almost the exact same number of people had reviewed their favourite restaurant as had reviewed their worst eating experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="501" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-1024x501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12582" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-1024x501.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-300x147.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-768x376.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-1536x752.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-1200x587.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-150x73.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-1920x939.png 1920w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-592x290.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-123x60.png 123w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10-184x90.png 184w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/t10.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



 At 36% and 35% respectively, this number is still lower than many restaurant owners may like, such is the importance of good reviews and recommendations. However, it goes to show that people won’t just leave reviews when they have something to complain about – they also want to give praise when it is warranted.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increase-online-reviews-and-recommendations">Increase online reviews and recommendations</h4>



Given these findings, venues should be doing all they can to increase the number of people leaving reviews. And whilst there is a risk of negative reviews, there&#8217;s an equally good chance of a positive reviews coming in too. The important thing is to understand the value of reviews and the power they have in reaching and attracting new customers.



Find out more about our <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-reviews">Reviews feature</a>.



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The Power of Reviews and Recommendations

The popularity of order and pay solutions has grown massively over the last year. Lots of hospitality businesses looked into implementing (or already have) a similar solution at their venue.&nbsp;



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If you’re still swaying about adding order &amp; pay to your business, and need more advice keep reading. Our <a href="https://stampede.ai/prep-start-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#PrepStartsNow</a> partners <a href="https://storekit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StoreKit</a> and Pour provide a closer look into the benefits of using such a system.



Here’s a quick summary of the main points:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-order-pay-work">How does Order &amp; Pay work?</h4>



An order and pay solution lets your customers view your digital menu, place their order and pay all from their mobile device. It, therefore, allows for a contactless and safe interaction between your customer and staff, without the need for full table service.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-using-an-order-pay-solution">Benefits of using an order &amp; pay solution&nbsp;</h4>



Some might argue that an order &amp; pay app has negative impacts on your customer experience as it removes the personal service which is what the hospitality industry is all about. However, research by Pour shows quite the contrary: 82 % of customers want to have the opportunity to order through an app. Your staff will still be at your venue to welcome and serve your customers.



The main benefits for your business:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increased sales (up to 63%) &#8211; upsell/cross-sales opportunities, promotions</li>



<li>Higher flexibility &#8211; make quick changes to your digital menu</li>



<li>Increased order accuracy</li>



<li>Improved customer experience &#8211; quicker service</li>



<li>Get data your on customers&#8217; preferences</li>



<li>Create a more branded and personalised digital experience</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-choose-the-right-system-for-your-venue">How to choose the right system for your venue?</h4>



Two main factors come into account when choosing the right order &amp; pay solution for your business.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-speed-and-ease-of-use">1. Speed and ease of use</h4>



One of the main purposes of implementing an order &amp; pay solution is to help you streamline your processes and increase operational efficiency. Hence, the app has to be straightforward to use for your and your customers to avoid complaints.



In general, they come as a downloadable app or progressive web app. The latter is quicker to use as there is no need for a download and it can be used without creating an account. But keep in mind that strong customer WiFi will remove any unwanted friction from using the web app.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-integration">2. Integration</h4>



Integration allows for your systems to communicate and share data. Being able to collate data from various different systems into one place is crucial. So make sure the solution you want to use integrates with your POS, accounting, inventory management etc. for that all-important single customer view.



There are many <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-technology-tools-to-help-hospitality-reopen-after-lockdown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other technology tools</a> that can support your successful reopening right now. <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out</a> to our team for some more information and guidance to get you started.

Get More Revenue Using An Order & Pay Solution

The Ultimate Beginners Guide to WiFi Jargon

The successful digital transformation of town centres can create a vibrant high street at the heart of the community – a source of pride for all involved.

There are many rural towns, keen to re-energize and regenerate the town center and outlying neighborhoods, but the sad truth is that this is being hindered by very poor broadband accessibility.
Without reliable, superfast broadband, local businesses can’t function and grow. Unsurprisingly, locals choose to shop elsewhere in bigger towns, the community is slow to interact with the outside world and tourists drive by.
It is increasingly difficult for smaller, rural towns to maintain a community spirit and many town communities are repeatedly let down by broken promises from big broadband providers.
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4310 alignleft" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 307px;" title="Stampede Town Center WiFi" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/08-wi-upper-green-west-2015.jpg" alt="Stampede Town Center WiFi" width="307" data-constrained="true" />
The tide, however, is beginning to turn and more and more town communities are deciding to take matters into their own hands to find an alternative solution.
There is an increasing number of grass-root, Community Partnership projects, finding ways to install superfast broadband and leap into the 21st century. Typically, these projects are supported by both, local business owners and Councils, along with external support and expert guidance. The beauty of the solution is the inbuilt sustainability of the project. As more users join, investment costs are shared, the law of diminishing returns comes into play and profitability for every business involved increases.
Through the installation of superfast broadband, communities are provided with full interactivity throughout the town. Additionally, town centres can create a free digital e-<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4312 alignright" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 354px;" title="Stampede Newquay" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/Newquay_summer_Searle-8223.jpg" alt="Stampede Newquay" width="354" data-constrained="true" />commerce portal and deploy a free public Wi-Fi zone. The quality of life for those living, working and visiting the town combined with the economic boost to local business  will re-energise the town centre.
<h3>Contact us for more information.</h3>
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Intelligent WiFi Can Deliver Digital Transformation To Town Centres

<a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-stats">According to Hubspot</a>, for every $1 (77p) spent on email marketing, $38 (£29.08) is generated for the business, giving a whopping 3,800% ROI.







Unlike with social media, email doesn’t have you playing against an algorithm. You’re also not left hoping people will see a sign outside your premises advertising your deals either. If you send your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">customers an email</a>, they will see it in their inbox, making it much more direct. The challenge lies in making your email appealing enough, so they will open it just by seeing the subject line alone.&nbsp;



Here’s the thing. It’s not enough to just type a few lines and hope for the best either, as by avoiding to refine your content, you could be missing out on vital sales for your business. After all, said content is being delivered directly to your customers&#8217; inbox. So it has to be right to have a hope in bringing in sales as a result. 



If you want to know how to create email subject lines that increase open and response rates, here’s everything you need to know.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why subject lines matter</h4>



When writing an email, it’s easy to put all the focus on the content of the email itself, rather than the subject line. In reality, the subject line is the first thing people will see when your email lands in their inbox. It will ultimately decide whether they open, ignore, delete or worse still…add your email address to their spam list, never to see any of your correspondence ever again.&nbsp;



It’s key to recognise that subject lines <a href="https://neilpatel.com/blog/clickable-email-subject-line-types/">are an important form of lead generation for your business</a>. If people are actively opening and engaging with your emails, then they are more likely to buy your product or service. On the flip side, if your subject lines are dull, too long, irrelevant or even too similar to every other company sending marketing emails, then this is unlikely to boost your open or response rates.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keep it relevant</h4>



Your subject line needs to grab your readers, but also offer some form of incentive or intrigue. That being said, it also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXnp96w9mW0">needs to be relevant to what they signed up for in the first place</a>. So, if people signed up to your restaurant mailing list specifically to hear about your news and discounts, and you send them an email with a subject line such as ‘The easiest way to cook pasta’ &#8211; your readers would be a little perplexed.



By the same token, it’s important not to keep rehashing the same old subject lines as these can get old quickly, especially if you email customers on a regular basis. Think about what has given you the best conversion rates in the past, and don’t stray too far from your winning formula. You might as well A/B test to see what works best for your customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Get to the point</h4>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/annabelacton/2017/10/12/the-best-and-worst-of-email-subject-lines/#47a6bb0f2d03">According to Forbes</a>, subject lines that go beyond 5 words are only opened 50% of the time. So, if you have 10,000 people on your mailing list, that’s already discounting 5,000 before they’ve even read the email. So, say you have a special deal coming up for Valentine’s Day, instead of writing ‘Amazing deals you won’t want to miss this Valentine’s Day at *Insert restaurant name*’, you could simply shorten it to ‘*Insert restaurant name* Valentine’s offers 2020’.



When creating subject lines to increase your open rates you should <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/improve-your-email-subject-line">play around and try out different things</a>. There is no one fit all approach. to create catchy lines use verbs and adjectives to make people curious and create a desire to click on it. Avoid ALL CAPS and using too many !!! 



We all get sent hundreds of emails every day, and people simply don’t have time to read them all. Similar to when we browse a supermarket aisle, we are glancing for what we want and will likely make an instant decision about it. The same is true for emails too. So, tell your audience what you are offering or even pose a question, but use as few words as possible. Short and sweet is key!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Avoid the spam folder</h4>



So we’ve talked about how dull or irrelevant subject lines could land you in the spam folder, but <a href="https://mailchimp.com/resources/avoid-spam-filters/">there are other reasons you could end up there too</a>. For example, by trying to cheat signups by purchasing email lists. Not only is this a huge GDPR headache, but mailbox providers will associate your company email domain with unwanted content, aka spam.&nbsp;



It’s also a good idea to avoid the repetitive use of ‘salesy’ language such as ‘buy now’, ‘free’ etc. If your text reads like a robotic sales message, spam filters will think its just that. By also keeping your image sizes small (ideally below 30kb), and only linking to reputable sites, this can help keep your message in the inbox folder too. In essence, your email needs to appear as genuine as possible to mailbox providers.



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-tips-for-an-outstanding-email-design/">https://stampede.ai/blog/4-tips-for-an-outstanding-email-design/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">Email marketing</a> is a crowded marketplace, but with the right techniques, you can succeed by having a high open and response rate. The key is to keep it relevant and make it worthwhile. Similar to a newspaper headline, intrigue is a great tactic that works easily. You might even want to offer exclusive discounts or other incentives too.&nbsp;



Regardless of how on point your email marketing is, to be able to reach your customers, you need those all-important email addresses in the first place. 



Our software allows you to capture customer data in a way that’s simple and best of all, GDPR compliant. However, more than that, we can give you a broader overview of your customer demographics, so you know exactly who is visiting your restaurant, allowing you to tailor your campaigns to suit.&nbsp;Automated email marketing and bulk marketing, all in one place.



<a href="https://signup.stampede.ai/">S</a>upercharge your email marketing today. Get in touch.



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How to Create Email Subject Lines that Increase Open Rates

So we’re heading into the colder months, and those setting the regulations still talk about outdoor areas for hospitality. It seems inevitable that we’ll be getting layered up to support our favourite venues for the next while.&nbsp;



 Whilst in a riverside pub terrace in York on a chilly evening earlier this week, we got talking about how we’d be happy to see mulled wine/cider etc. on the menu already!



Speaking of winter menus for outside dining, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-21/how-chefs-are-adapting-their-menus-for-chilly-outdoor-dining" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this might be useful.</a>



In the news, Marstons have announced a £2m investment in upgraded outdoor spaces and seating, which will provide additional capacity of around 15,000 covers.



 If you’re exploring outdoor space options for the coming months, this is a reminder to check your customer WiFi coverage in these areas. Seating which is further from the source will mean poor or no internet connection for customers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardware"> Hardware</h2>



 Our Support Team have an expert knowledge of the best systems for any setup, and are happy to provide free advice on what you might need, as well as contacts for on the ground installation. We can also arrange a site assessment for you through our partners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-customer-benefits"> Customer Benefits</h2>



 <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WiFi</a> isn’t just about letting customers browse Facebook as they sip mulled wine. You can use it to push customers straight to order-and-pay apps (without QR codes), for <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/hospitality-reopening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Track and Trace</a>, to monitor footfall and occupancy and more.



 It’s the gateway to better customer experiences in many ways.



 For your business, it’s the easiest way to boost the size of your mailing list, just in time to <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promote</a> your Christmas specials and offers.



 We’re here to help you, with WiFi setup questions or the customer experience, by <a href="tel:+441315107008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phone</a>, <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=Outdoor%20WiFi&amp;body=Got%20a%20question%20about%20outdoor%20WiFi%3F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">email</a> or <a href="stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live chat</a>.

Keep The Outdoor Connected

Is it time to update your restaurant’s Instagram profile? Because if you don&#8217;t have a picture of something with mashed avocado on it, it&#8217;s already out of date. Hard but true. But how can you achieve this by also making positive use of your Guest WiFi?







Sure, we know you’re busy. You’re trying to run a restaurant, after all. But did you know that an out of date or just plain shoddy Instagram profile for your restaurant could be driving away customers? 



<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/millenials-restaurant-how-choose-instagram-social-media-where-eat-a7677786.html">According to a study done by the Italian chain Zizzi</a>, a full 30% of millennials, that highly coveted 18-35-year-old age bracket, say that they would avoid a restaurant if their Instagram presence was lacking.



Don’t despair, even if you’re a total failure at social media, there’s still hope for you. And that hope is coming at you in little doughnut-shaped radio waves. We’re talking about the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Guest WiFi </a>you most likely have in your restaurant (WiFi broadcasts in ring-shaped waves &#8211; there&#8217;s your WiFi trivia for the day!).



You know &#8211; the WiFi that your customers love and you are probably giving away for free. What we’re talking about is asking your customers for just a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">little bit of data</a>, as simple as just an email address, in order to access your restaurant WiFi and, in turn, <a href="https://medium.com/@marketing_37146/how-to-increase-social-media-engagement-125d48782702">boost that sad Instagram</a> profile.



So are you ready to rock your Instagram? Here&#8217;s how to get started!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP ONE: USE A CAPTIVE PORTAL</h4>



A captive portal refers to a method of asking your guests to log in through a web page first in order to access your WiFi. Instead of a hastily scrawled password on a chalkboard above the bar, your guests simply enter their email address in order to connect. Once they’ve verified their email address, they’ll have access to fast, safe and secure WiFi. But it doesn’t stop there.



When prompted to log in to your WiFi, your customer will see your branding on the splash screen, ensuring that you’re staying first and foremost in their minds. Another cool feature of the captive portal is the power of data. In addition to their email address, you can ask your customers for information like postcode, age, and gender. 



With Stampede, you can take this a step further and ask your own custom questions &#8211; the perfect way to do a quick poll on new menu items or offerings. So what is your favourite drink?



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<div class="wp-block-media-text" style="grid-template-columns:38% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10666" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x.png 600w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-300x200.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-150x100.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-592x395.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-90x60.png 90w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-135x90.png 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/branded-experience/">Learn more about the importance of a branded customer experience </a>
</div></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP TWO: USE THAT DATA</h4>



Ok, so you’ve broken down, gotten some captive portal software and now you’ve got a pile of interesting customer data. So what to do with it? 



Got an email list? How about exporting all those customer emails addresses you captured on your fancy new portal into your email list software? 



Don’t have an email list? Now you do! Thinking of opening a new branch of your business? Check the postcode data you’ve collected to see where your customers are coming from.



In addition, the data you’re asking your customers for, a good captive portal solution will also provide you with <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">statistics</a> on time of day, length of visit and the devices used. What do you do with this? Good question. Let&#8217;s say you notice that you’ve got more people signing in from laptops rather than mobile devices, maybe it’s time to think about adding some under-seat plugs for the use of your customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP THREE: GET THAT INSTAGRAM LOOKING GOOD</h4>



How is captive portal WiFi going to help your sorry Instagram account? Right, follow along here. That’s where <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/a-complete-guide-to-marketing-automation/">automated marketing</a> comes into play. 



Your customer enters your restaurant and sits down to your signature poached egg on toast &#8211; now featuring smashed avocado. The customer’s food arrives, and, of course, it looks fantastic and they want to preserve the moment in pictures. They pull out their phone to connect to the WiFi where they’re immediately presented with your brand and logo on the spiffy captive portal screen. After entering their email, they sign in to the WiFi, snap their picture and carry on with the meal.



Here comes the automated part. Minutes after leaving your venue, the customer gets an SMS or email from you, asking them if they’re <a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/">enjoying their dining experience</a>, and if they’d be happy to share any photos they take on social media. In other words, you&#8217;ve combined boosting your Instagram with your Guest WiFi.



Whoa! Who’s going to say no to that? Your customer, who’s had their mashed avocado cravings fulfilled, naturally, posts their photo to your Instagram page. In one fell swoop we’ve solved three problems: your customer got access to awesome WiFi, they have a fantastic dining experience, and your Instagram account is happy again.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">NOT USING GUEST WIFI?</h4>



If, by some small chance, you&#8217;re NOT using a captive portal WiFi solution in your restaurant, pub or hospitality business and now you&#8217;re ready to start, why not give Stampede a try? We offer a free, no-obligation trial with simple integration. You&#8217;ll be up and running in no time.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





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You&#8217;ll soon have more mashed avocado pictures than you know what to do with&#8230;



Check out our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stampede_ig/">Instagram</a> as well to get some inspiration.



<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Rock Your Restaurant with WiFi and Instagram

Now that you know all the good, bad and ugly about AI-generated content from the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-tools-for-marketers-an-insiders-view">first part of our AI series</a>, it’s time to go a little deeper.



For this, we had a closer look into two of the most popular and widely used AI tools: <a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/">ChatGPT</a> and <a href="https://www.jasper.ai/">Jasper</a>.



We’ve compared their main features and capabilities and also came up with ways to get the most out of both.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chatgpt-vs-jasper-the-basics-compared">ChatGPT vs. Jasper &#8211; The Basics Compared</h2>



For now, ChatGPT is a free tool. Its popularity practically blew up overnight and it became the fastest tool to hit 100 million users.



Unfortunately, this led to quite a lot of downtime and users not being able to access it. This is why they are now offering a paid version for $20/m which guarantees full accessibility and also faster responses.



Jasper, on the other hand, is a paid tool.&nbsp;



They offer a 5-day free trial to give you an idea and after that, their prices start from $49/m with a 50,000-word limit. Bear in mind that the word limit refers to all words created, even if you decide to delete them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things To Keep In Mind</h2>



Before you dive into the world of AI-generated content, there are some things to be aware of.



Here are the 3 main ones:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>They generate original content pulled from the web &#8211; you need to do fact-checking!</li>



<li>They have finished their base training a couple of years ago, so some of their knowledge is not up to date</li>



<li>They remember previous input and allow for follow-up adjustments if needed</li>
</ol>



The example below from ChatGPT shows what happens if you ask for recent events:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="294" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-1024x294.png" alt="ChatGPT example" class="wp-image-22963" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-1024x294.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-300x86.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-768x220.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-1200x345.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44-150x43.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-10.20.44.png 1442w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Is there a way to get around this?&nbsp;



The solution, according to the platforms, is to feed in any necessary information that might be missing to provide more context. Basically, teach it yourself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ways To Generate AI Content</h2>



The most notable difference between ChatGPT vs. Jasper lies in the way you can create content.



ChatGPT



ChatGPT only offers one way, a chat function, which is dialogue based. It follows a question-answer pattern where you simply put in your request to start a conversation.&nbsp;



It’s therefore very easy to use (once you’ve cracked the commands) and a good tool to get you started.



Jasper



Jasper, on the other hand, comes with a plethora of tools for content creation, i.e. chat, 50+ templates, documents, recipes, and workflows.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="661" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-1024x661.png" alt="Jasper templates" class="wp-image-22962" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-1024x661.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-300x194.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-768x496.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-1536x992.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-1200x775.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39-150x97.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-14-at-12.34.39.png 2028w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users with a lot of options to choose from. To help you better navigate around the platform, Jasper offers various live training sessions and a <a href="https://learn.jasper.ai/bootcamp/overview?_gl=1*6nj48j*_ga*MTY3NDQwNjgxMC4xNjc1MTU0NjQ0*_ga_D4P3CS8W5P*MTY3NjQ1Mzg1OS4xOS4xLjE2NzY0NTM4NjAuNTkuMC4w">bootcamp</a>. Which we’d recommend making use of.



Now, the main difference between their individual tools is the degree of guidance they provide.



For example, Recipes come with pre-set step-by-step instructions. You only need to fill in your own input where required. It’s a fast way to generate content and is also ideal to get a better feeling of how Jasper&#8217;s commands work.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="401" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-1024x401.png" alt="Jasper recipes" class="wp-image-22964" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-1024x401.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-300x118.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-768x301.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-1536x602.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-1200x470.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23-150x59.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-09-at-13.34.23.png 1542w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The opposite can be found in their chat (same functionality as ChatGPT) or document option, which allows for much more freedom.&nbsp;



Workflows and templates are somewhere in between with a little guidance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="730" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-1024x730.png" alt="Jasper documents" class="wp-image-22965" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-1024x730.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-300x214.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-768x548.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-1536x1096.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-1200x856.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35-150x107.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-15-at-12.49.35.png 1688w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s best to give them all a try to understand their difference and when to use them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7 Tips For Higher Quality Output</h2>



To finish off, here are 7 easy tweaks you can do to your input to get the output you are actually looking for:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Upload your own content to teach it your unique writing style</li>



<li>Update input for each paragraph to avoid repetition</li>



<li>For creative output: use short sentences with few words</li>



<li>For more detailed output: include key facts, number of words and more information (see example below)</li>



<li>Guide the output: frame sections with headlines, subtitles, etc.</li>



<li>Use Jasper’s re-phrase tool for more variations</li>



<li>Play around with different tones of voices, use adjectives or individuals as reference</li>
</ol>



Detailed input example for the chat function:



As a technology writer please write a 500-word educational article using semantically relevant topics for &#8220;digital customer journeys in hospitality&#8221;, H2 and H3 subheadings with bullet points and relevant statistics, FAQ at the end. Use a catchy title. Suggest relevant resources (URL) to learn more about &#8220;digital customer journeys&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ChatGPT vs. Jasper &#8211; The Takeaway</h2>



The question that remains is: is it worth paying for an AI tool?&nbsp;



It depends on how you want to use it.&nbsp;



If you want to play around to understand how AI works then you should opt for the free ChatGPT version.&nbsp;



The same applies if you’re mainly looking for some content inspiration or subject line variations.



However, Jasper definitely provides much more flexibility for different business tasks in marketing and sales.



So, if you’re looking for ways to generate a wide variety of mainly longer-form content Jasper is the better option.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Uncover the power of tech and data with the <a href="https://stampede.ai/amaze" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede Customer Experience Platform</a> that drives 5x more repeat customers.

ChatGPT vs. Jasper: The Two Most Popular AI Tools Compared

It’s no secret that pubs and bars in the UK are struggling, and that many have been forced to close their doors. Challenges include rising alcohol taxes, changes to business rates and a new generation that doesn’t drink as much. That’s the narrative at least, and it’s why CAMRA continues its commendable ‘Save the Local’ campaign.



However, a funny thing happened in 2019. For the first time in a decade, the number of pubs and bars in the UK actually went up instead of down – according to Official Labour Market Statistics from the ONS/Nomis.



Between 2010-2018, the UK had a net loss of 5,855 pubs, an average of 732 per year. However, there was a net gain of 320 pubs in 2019, the first time that the number of pubs in the UK has increased for a decade



We believe that pubs and bars are of vital importance to UK society and its economy. It’s therefore imperative that we analyse these market statistics and try to understand what they mean to the licensed trade industry. Is this increase a statistical anomaly or does it signpost a reversal of fortunes for the wider industry? Perhaps it is evidence that pubs and bars have started to adjust to economic and cultural changes in the UK?&nbsp;&nbsp;



In this post we analyse pub growth, the regions and countries experiencing the highest net growth (and loss), the types of pubs growing fastest and some of the likely determining factors. We also look at why the upward trend doesn’t extend to licensed clubs, which continue to fall in number.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Pubs are on the rise</h4>



The UK has lost 732 pubs per year on average since 2010, so 2019’s net gain of 320 represents a swing of nearly 1,000 compared to previous years. This is quite a remarkable turnaround, especially given the systematic year decline this decade and numerous challenges facing pub operators. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="347" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-1024x347.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13709" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-1024x347.jpg 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-300x102.jpg 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-768x260.jpg 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-150x51.jpg 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-592x201.jpg 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-177x60.jpg 177w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100-266x90.jpg 266w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ANNUAL_CHANGE_IN_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-7@2x-100.jpg 1051w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Sadly England is almost solely accountable for this growth, which is not seen elsewhere. It saw a net gain of +345 compared to Scotland (-5) Wales (-25) and Northern Ireland (+5) which were all relatively stable. By region, the South East has the most pubs (5,340) but only grew by 10 in 2019. Much faster growth can be witnessed in the North East (+85), followed closely by the West Midlands (+80).



By town/city, Bristol, Newcastle, Southampton and South-end-on-sea all boast an extra 15 pubs in 2019 (the most in the UK). In London, pub numbers only increased in 10 out of 33 boroughs.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Pub Growth in the UK 2019 Map</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pub-Growth-UK-Map.png" alt="Pub growth UK Map" class="wp-image-13714" width="437" height="697"/></figure></div>



Large pub groups are driving the most growth in the sector. The biggest increase (+205) comes from pub enterprises with a turnover of £500,000-£1,000,000, and the second biggest increase (+125) was in the £1m-£2m bracket. By contrast, the UK had a net loss of 55 for pub enterprises with a turnover of less than £100,000&nbsp;



These stats demonstrate the dominance of big pub chains and suggests that larger and more profitable pubs may be more resilient to negative market forces – such as rising business rates and alcohol duties – and are therefore less likely to shut down. It may also be the case that there is more investment in larger properties with the potential to drive more revenue – while smaller venues stay shut once they close.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="884" height="315" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13711" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100.jpg 884w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-300x107.jpg 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-768x274.jpg 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-150x53.jpg 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-592x211.jpg 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-168x60.jpg 168w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2018-2019_L_V_S_PUB_NUMBERSAsset-8@2x-100-253x90.jpg 253w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" /></figure>



We calculate that the growth of pubs in the UK between 2018 and 2019 may have created an extra 8,975 jobs nationwide.** Using a similar formula, we calculate that pubs made an extra £740,875,000 in 2019 vs 2018 (cash turnover not adjusted for inflation)



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Source of Growth</h4>



As to why pub numbers are going up, additional analysis suggests that it has little to do with people drinking more. According to the same dataset, we can reveal that licensed clubs remain on the decline – there were 7,420 in 2019 vs 7,610 in 2018, down from 10,000 in 2010***. Likewise, analysis from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and Marston’s says beer sales volumes dropped to 3.6 billion pints in 2019 compared with a peak of 5.7 billion pints in January 2007.



In the same report, the BBPA noted a rise in craft and world beers, growing by 194,000 and 218,000 pints respectively. The sale of these premium beers may explain how pub numbers were able to grow in 2019. Likewise, it appears that many pubs and bars are coping better with industry challenges. Many have embraced innovation and new revenue streams. More pubs now offer food, accommodation and a greater variety of weekday events to maximise profits. Pubs can no longer afford to rely on the same old regulars to keep coming through the door.&nbsp;



We are seeing more pubs utilising technology, data and marketing automation to better understand their customers and their drinking habits. This means being able to generate more revenue during traditionally quiet periods and changing their operations/business hours based on how their customers behave.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The pub trade has had very little to celebrate in the last decade, but I’m sure they’ll raise a glass to these new numbers,” said Patrick Clover, Stampede founder and CEO. “Pubs have a hugely important place in our society both socially as well as economically, being one of the UK’s biggest employers. The reduction of pubs over the last decade has been heart-breaking, following devastating changes to business taxes and alcohol duties, but I hope these figures signpost a reversal of fortunes. Indeed, we saw our local district of Edinburgh increase the number of pubs significantly this year, and I like to think we played our part in that. Stampede’s aim is to become indispensable to every pub, bar, hotel and restaurant owner in the UK. We want to bring the heart back into these beloved venues that are at the centre of our communities.”&nbsp;



* There are now a total of 39,145 pubs in the UK – based on businesses classified by the Standard Industrial Classification code 56302 : Public houses and bars. Figures are rounded to the nearest five by ONS to prevent identification, meaning these are not exact numbers



**We calculated this figure based on the net difference of pubs multiplied by their number of employees. For example, there were an extra 240 pubs with between 20-49 employees: 240 x 35 [the median figure between 20-19] = 8,400 jobs. Other employment size bands saw a net decrease, thus creating a net job loss, but they have still been factored into the 8,975 jobs estimate. N.B the ONS rounds it figures to the nearest 5 to avoid disclosure, so this figure is only a guide and should be taken with a pinch of salt.&nbsp;



*** Standard Industrial Classification code 56301: licensed clubs



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">About Stampede&nbsp;</h4>



<a href="https://www.stampede.ai">Stampede</a> was founded by software developer and tech entrepreneur, Patrick Clover, to enable physical venues to engage with their customers more easily and effectively, and understand them better. From the independent coffee shop to global brands with thousands of sites – Stampede provides a level of customer insight previously only available to large corporations. It offers business owners better information on their customers through improved engagement and insights into consumer habits.



The company has grown rapidly and has served more than one million users from over 800 locations across the UK, Europe, US, Asia and South America.

Raising The Bar – A Stampede Report

Euan Campbell

Why is Social Authentication so Important?

For travellers, few amenities rival the importance of being connected when staying in hotels, resorts or when visiting public venues, like airports or stadiums.  Good internet connectivity will always be one of the first things travellers demand.
Stampede offers social media authentication, so travellers can provide your venue with a Facebook Like, Facebook Check-In or Twitter Follow to boost your company’s social media growth and exposure.
The benefits of this are plentiful, no access codes /passwords make it easy for users to connect. Most internet users in the modern day are already familiar with common social sites, meaning connecting accounts in exchange for WiFi, is an appealing option for some. This type of authentication helps
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-2763 alignright" style="width: 79px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" title="Stampede Facebook" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/social-login-ball.png" alt="Stampede Facebook" width="79" data-constrained="true" />
build your social media following, which in turn gets your name out there to the masses. With social media in the picture, every hotel, motel, resort, airport or stadium wants guests and users to share the good times and leave positive feedback; now these users are immediately guided to your social media accounts.
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4478 alignleft" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 79px;" title="Stampede Twitter" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/Twitterbird.png" alt="Stampede Twitter" width="79" data-constrained="true" />
With social media in the picture, every hotel, motel, resort, airport or stadium wants guests and users to share a good experience and leave positive feedback, allowing a social login guides users to your accounts straight away.
Social Media Authentication through Stampede WiFi can help you and your business to boost social media exposure while providing your guests with a positive guest internet access experience.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Social Media Authentication For Guest Wi-Fi

For many restaurants, the winter months mean a downturn in business as people choose to stay in rather than braving the chill outside. The notorious low season pre and post-Christmas can often cause a hefty dent in annual sales, meaning restaurant owners need to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/free-restaurant-promotions-ideas/">think outside the box</a> if they want to attract customers during this time. Here are some tips on how to beat the dreaded decrease in footfall during the low winter season.







<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Make some seasonal tweaks to the menu</h4>



Where possible, try and make some seasonal tweaks to your menu. Most likely one of the easiest ways to boost your restaurant sales in winter. Why not offer heart-warming drinks and meals that people will be craving if they’ve been out in the cold. Or <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/category/seasonal">incorporate seasonal produce</a> that can only be sourced at this time of year into your menu recipes.&nbsp;



If you want people to brave the weather and pay you a visit then offering something that they can’t get all year round (and when the weather is warmer!) acts as a great incentive. Think of <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/a29409812/costa-winter-menu/">Costa&#8217;s</a> yearly hyped winter specials. This way your customers will also look forward to your special winter menus each year.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Consider special events to draw the crowd</h4>



The odd special event, such as live music or a themed night, are a great way to push your sales figures up and boost the low winter season. If you want to try and beat the lull consider putting on a special one-time event. 



If something’s a one-off people are much more likely to make the effort to attend in fear of missing out on something really good. Even something simple such as a quiz night or having local artists serenade your guests with some Christmas carols are great options to help draw a crowd. Make sure you spread the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">word on social media</a>. 



And of course, the winter season is all about company Christmas parties. So, don&#8217;t miss out on this and start planning ahead. Offer special and non-resistible deals for bigger parties. Even better, if you&#8217;re able to leave a perfect impression, you might be able to gain a whole bunch of new customers for the new year already.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tweak your interiors to make them cosy</h4>



You might think winter decoration is too trashy and it can easily be overdone. However, <a href="https://www.christmastreeworld.co.uk/blog/how-christmas-docrations-boost-revenue-for-hotels-restaurants/">59% of your customers</a> are actually staying longer in your venue and therefore spending more money if you invest in some stylish decoration. 



If you want people to find refuge from the cold with you then you need to make sure that your restaurant is welcoming. External lighting can act as a perfect way to attract customers&#8217; attention and boost your winter sales. 



But also small things such as switching up your <a href="https://www.dulux.co.uk/en/articles/create-cosy-living-room-warm-colours">colour scheme to warmer colours</a> or adding blankets and throws to outdoor seating areas are great ways to make the whole place feel cosier.&nbsp;



Some candles on the tables, wreaths, garlands, or even a nicely decorated Christmas tree can also help you create a special atmosphere. Little things can make a big difference here. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Put the focus on WiFi marketing</h4>



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">WiFi marketing</a> is a great way for you to increase the footfall into your restaurant at any time of year, but in particular during the quieter winter months. WiFi marketing allows you to communicate with your customers in a much more personalised way. Once they&#8217;ve signed up through your Guest WiFi you can easily stay in touch with them. 



The ultimate tip, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">grow your database</a> while the season is still hot. This way, you can reach out to all of those customers during the low winter season and boost your restaurant revenue.



If you’re already paying for WiFi for your customers anyway then you may as well <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/">get something out of it too</a>. So better get started now and give your low winter sales a little boost.



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Having a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-value-of-restaurant-marketing-automation/">WiFi marketing system</a> in place allows you to know you’re speaking directly to your customers and is a great way for you to find out what they thought to their visit as well as offering incentives to return.&nbsp;So why not send your regular customers a voucher for a glass of mulled wine after all their exhausting Christmas shopping.

Ways to Boost your Restaurant in Winter

Tammie Hurrell

Montpeliers Group

Grant Murray

CRU Holdings

Emma Luke-Ward

Lane7 Group

Steve Watson

Signature Pub Group

Nick Gregory

Society Manchester

Shivani Kenth

Zindiya Streatery & Bar

Graham Atkinson

Butta Burger

Chris Hughes

Mele Group

Chris Aitchison

Bar Tonic

Ieuan Davis

The Coal Exchange Hotel

Who are your customers, and what exactly do they want? The fundamentals of what makes a business either work or fail ultimately come down to this one question, which can be explored by looking at the customer journey as a whole, as well as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">personalisation</a>.







Both the customer journey and personalisation boils down to understanding all the interactions your customers are having with your business. It can be likened to your wait staff asking “how’s your meal?”, but looking at the broader picture.&nbsp;



By knowing about every aspect of your customer journey, and how customers are interacting with your business, you can begin to build a bigger picture of what they ultimately want from you.&nbsp;



If you own a restaurant and are looking to improve the understanding between your business and your customer base, here are some of the best places to start.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding The Customer Journey</h4>



The customer journey is not just the time from when they walk into your restaurant until they pay and then walk out again. Instead, the customer journey covers every interaction your restaurant has with your patrons.&nbsp;



For example, searching for your website &#8211; how easy is the process, and are they able to book online? Then there’s dining in your restaurant, what type of experience are they having? Are your wait staff attentive and knowledgeable about your food? The customer journey also extends to following up with them afterwards, in the form of feedback forms or marketing.



If you really want to get into the mindset of your customers, then i<a href="https://www.salesforce.com/uk/blog/2016/03/customer-journey-mapping-explained.html">t’s important to understand their overall journey</a> and how your business fits in with each of these milestones. After all, if there’s a weak link the chain, it can pull everything else down too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Personalise The Experience</h4>



Restaurants are not simply a place to eat. From catch-ups to celebrations, they provide the backdrop to some of our most memorable events throughout our lives.&nbsp;



If a customer calls to book a table or room for a special event, it’s the perfect time to incorporate personalisation. After all, it’s a real honour to be chosen as the place to celebrate a milestone event in someone’s life.&nbsp;



As management, you should look to incorporate personal touches into the event. What steps can you take to make the experience unique, versus what a chain restaurant would do?&nbsp;



Personalisation is also about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6OwbWcFhfM">tailoring your business to meet a particular trend or demand</a>. For example, when you walk into a coffee shop &#8211; do they simply sell tea and coffee, or have they thought about caffeine-free options too?&nbsp;



The more people are able to personalise the experience, the more your business model is able to fit into their needs. Remember, happy customers, equals return customers!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipating Their Needs</h4>



Starting with your restaurant, how comfortable is it for people to spend long periods of time in? If it’s a draughty old building with rigid seating, it’s probably not going to be great for spending hours catching up with friends. However, throwing some armchairs in and putting a log fire in there changes things completely. This is anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs.&nbsp;



If service is a little slow, what steps can you take to prevent customers from becoming irate? Serving free drinks or even having fresh bread on the table, can act as a natural buffer to this situation. After all, there’s nothing worse than waiting hours for food when you are hungry. Dealing with this scenario effectively before it becomes an issue, is also part of anticipating the needs of the customer.&nbsp;



In essence, <a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/topfive-basic-services-customer-needs-restaurant-24669.html">the more you get into the mindset of your restaurant clientele</a>, the more you can anticipate what steps need to be taken to reach them. Looking at steps that can be taken to minimise issues throughout all stages of your customer experience is what will set you apart from your competitors.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Take Inspiration From Other Service Industries</h4>



Think about the experience you have on a plane, and how the airline and flight attendants anticipate your every need. For example, passengers are hungry and thirsty. So snacks, food and drinks are regularly served. On-board entertainment is provided to keep you from becoming bored or restless.&nbsp;



There’s also <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2018/07/11/these-companies-have-the-best-customer-service-heres-why/#750e6082b80a">a real emphasis on meeting the needs of the passengers</a>, provided by visible service at regular intervals. Someone has thought of all these things in advance, and as a reaction to previous feedback.



While your restaurant might be located firmly on solid ground rather than 30,000ft up, that doesn’t mean to say you can’t follow the same approach when it comes to anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs. It starts by asking what could be improved on, and what steps do you need to take to do this?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Customer service doesn’t stop when your patrons leave the building. By building <a href="https://stampede.ai/product/features/">a clear picture of your customer insights</a>, you can stay on top of their experiences, good and bad.&nbsp;



Getting to the heart of what your customer wants is the core of any business. At Stampede, our software has the exact same ethos. 



Start your journey to understand your customers&#8217; journey, as well as learning how to personalise your business based on <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">real-time analytical data</a>.&nbsp;



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Personalise Your Customer Journey at Your Restaurant

Restaurant management is not for the faint-hearted. With a new establishment flaunting itself on every corner, competition can be somewhat rife. Your dishes may be exquisite and your atmosphere delightful – but if you don’t market yourself productively, you could lose your patrons to the neighbour next door.&nbsp;



From coffee shop marketing to eloquently advertising your Michelin star restaurant, deploying the correct advertising techniques is what will draw in the next generations – ensuring that you always have tables to serve. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Did you know?</h4>



According to <a href="https://brandongaille.com/13-must-see-restaurant-social-media-statistics-and-trends/">Brandon Gaille [1]</a>, 40% of individuals learn about food through digital methods, such as websites, blogs, and mobile apps.&nbsp;



This statistic is expected to increase in the future.&nbsp;



For the next 50 years, millennials will make up a huge portion of your target audience with Generation Z following close behind. The two generations show proximate similarities and if you pay attention to what these folks want or expect from the service industry – then your marketing efforts are halfway there.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Three Things You Need to Know About Millennials</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They value opinions.&nbsp; Millennials can Google their hearts out. But when it comes to “sealing the deal”, they value opinions the most.This is why <a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/i-read-it-online-so-it-must-be-true/">word-of-mouth recommendations, online reviews and social media comments</a> are going to continue to sky-rocket in importance.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They judge your credibility based on your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/establishing-your-coffee-shop-brand-online/">online presence</a>. A website is a great starting point but if you are not on social media, well, do you even exist? Restaurants that do not have active Facebook or Instagram profiles seem questionable to millennials and they might just doubt your authenticity.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They love brands that support their causes. Millennials tend to be very proactive when it comes to social responsibility. Many direct their attention to brands and businesses that share their passions. So, if you support any causes or host fundraisers, you’re going to want to let your customers know about it. If you don’t support any causes, now’s the time to start.&nbsp;</li></ul>



It’s clear that the future of marketing will be built on digital grounds while considering the emotions behind human expectations. It will be even more imperative for restaurants to have an engaging social media presence where good reviews are regarded as valuable as solid gold. At the same time, creditability and transparency should form the backbone of every marketing campaign.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">The Future of Digital Marketing for Restaurants</h5>



Now that we have some insight into what future patrons will expect from the food industry – the question is – what type of targeted marketing will cater to their needs?



We’ve already established that digital advertising is the way to go. But with technology evolving so rapidly, it’s important that you keep up to date with the up-and-coming trends so that you don’t fall off the wagon.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Here’s our researched list of future marketing trends:</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Measurable Marketing</h5>



Gone are the days where marketing was a one-way method of communication. With the onset of digital marketing, businesses can now receive invaluable feedback from their audiences. Measurable marketing techniques can include:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Facebook Advertising</li><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-powerful-ways-wifi-marketing-can-grow-your-business/">Wi-Fi Marketing</a></li><li>Digital Ordering</li><li>Digital Menus</li></ul>



By applying each of these strategies, you not only create ways to continuously market yourself but you also get to collect the data on your patrons’ trends. This data can be used to perfect customer satisfaction and refine future marketing efforts even further.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Localised Marketing</h5>



Localised marketing is not only based on a restaurants target area. It also taps into the expectations of the individuals in that location. Using the information gathered from measurable marketing, restaurants can support causes that the locals tend to navigate towards.&nbsp;



As a current example, you could advertise your vegan, gluten-free, and organic meal options or you could turn your restaurant into a plastic-free zone.&nbsp;



Another hit of the future lies in charity fundraisers and community support. In this regard, small restaurants have an advantage over larger chains. They have the ability to position themselves as an integral part of the local fabric. This means that they can effectively structure themselves to be a friendly and familiar face within the community.&nbsp;



By implementing these “causes” into your marketing campaign, you will be satisfying your patrons before they even step through your doors.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Personalisation</h5>



Personalisation within the restaurant industry will focus on digital menus. This will streamline the ordering process and act as a platform for uniquely targeted advertising. Like measurable marketing, it will also help restaurants to gather the data they need to create dishes and menus that are personalised to individual tastes and dietary requirements.



Past trends will be saved and automatically adapted for the next dish recommendation. Ultimately, this will improve taste, customisation, and patron satisfaction.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Customer Loyalty Programmes</h5>



 Loyalty programs are no new invention. Gone are the days where clipped coupons find their way to the recycling bin. Future loyalty initiatives are now joining the digital revolution. Next-generation restaurants are using Smartphone technology and web-based applications to maintain a large and insightful customer database.



Essentially, Loyalty Programmes are a friendly way of asking patrons for their personal details. In exchange for certain perks (like free meals), customers agree to your marketing terms. Loyalty systems are currently being developed to send targeted and automated marketing emails, text messages, and push notifications directly to the customers on a database. This creates a cost-effective, streamlined, and customised marketing campaign that hits the nail on the head. &nbsp;



Marketing a restaurant with the right combination of trends and strategies stands second to none in making a business successful. By staying one step ahead of your customers and patrons, you will not only meet their expectations but you will also have the ability to market effectively. And in case you didn’t know – the future starts now!&nbsp;



References:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://brandongaille.com/13-must-see-restaurant-social-media-statistics-and-trends/">Brandon Gaille Marketing Statistics.</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

The Future of Restaurant Marketing

Have you ever been lost in a foreign city? Ever had to send out an important text? There are moments in which we are grateful for an Internet connection on our smartphone and even more grateful for the <a class="" href="/blog/restaurant-wifi-with-tapas-blackbx-success-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bars and restaurants</a> around us that allow us to access it.  

In some situations WiFi can be a lifesaver, but at other times it seems like people simply have a crave to check their newsfeed, mails and stay connected with friends. It can be argued that WiFi is indeed highly addictive, as <a class="" href="https://www.ipass.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/iPass-Mobile-Professional-Report-2017.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a study from iPass</a> suggests that 27% of respondents indicated that WiFi is impossible to give up. 
Let’s put this in relation with other cravings humanity has &#8211; gambling is only impossible to give up for 4% of the respondents, while smoking was only slightly higher &#8211; at 6%. This connectivity-craving is leading some people to use WiFi on their smartphones even in some weird situations. 
<h3>The Toilet </h3>
I am sure you remember the last text you received, but are you aware there’s a good chance this text was composed on a toilet? Fair enough, sitting on the throne can be quite inspirational. I bet the amount of texts sent from bathrooms all around the world must be quite impressive, as 72% of us make use of a smartphone in the stall. Maybe it’s the solitary atmosphere that bathrooms provide us with that make it so likely to just grab a smartphone and explore the fascinating world wide web. We really don’t mind, but please wash your hands.
<h3>On a Date </h3>
Having used Tinder in the bathroom, some of us might be lucky enough to have a date or two. Well done! Get your favourite shirt ironed and take your crush to a nice bar around the corner. Don’t forget to be charming, interested in what your counterpart has to say and keep your phone in your pocket. Apparently none of you are listening to our old-fashioned dating advice anyway &#8211; since a shocking 36% of people use their smartphone during a date. In other words, more than every third person will have a wee look at Facebook, read some mails or sends an ‘<a class="" href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/73/b1/a7/73b1a7bafc43a649c857984719588d1e--sweet-texts-cute-texts.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">emergency text</a>’ to the best friend during a date.
<h3>During Sex</h3>
In case the date goes well, brace yourself &#8211; 7% use their mobiles even during sex, unfortunately we weren’t able to find out exactly how they do it.
<h3>In a Meeting </h3>
Sure, meetings are boring and sometimes you might need to check your phone to bolster a fact or two in your PowerPoint. But, if you&#8217;re in a meeting, it&#8217;s usually a good idea to give the persenter your full attention. Which apparently more than half of us can&#8217;t do, as 53% of respondants reported that they had checked their smartphone during a meeting. For shame. 
<h3>At a Funeral </h3>
If you thought tweeting during a date (or an intimate encounter) would be rude or impolite, you might be shocked about the next odd situation. Some people would literally take their smartphone to the grave if they could &#8211; 11% of respondents during the research admitted they’d use their smartphone even during a funeral. Somethings are a little too much, even for us. 
<h3>Being Connected is a Good Thing</h3>
Just because some internet users lose control over their habits and might have a weird relation to their smartphone, doesn&#8217;t mean we all have to follow in their footsteps. 
Internet and smartphones have revolutionised the way we interact, the way we plan and even the way we live. The strong need to connect with others, share our experiences online and always be up to date, has brought an opportunity for businesses looking to expand their audience. 
The importance of offering an Internet access to customers is absolutely vital today. If you want to learn more about guest WiFi and how offering it will benefit both your business and your customers, click below. 
Just make sure you wash your hands first. 
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

THE TOP 5 WEIRDEST TIMES TO USE A SMARTPHONE

When&nbsp;operating multiple hospitality venues, quite often your customers’ loyalty is restricted to one of your venues only. Chances are your customers are simply not aware that you’re managing more than one venue. Though, what if you could&nbsp;extend their loyalty to all your venues&nbsp;and by doing so increase their overall spending?



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Here’s how you can&nbsp;cross-promote your venues&nbsp;using our simple 5 step recipe for personalised marketing.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1) The Data</h5>



For this cross-venue promotion campaign, you want to find out more about&nbsp;how customers have interacted across your venues. Sort your data by individual venues for a better comparison.



The data you need can be obtained from different sources:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Last WiFi login from your captive portal/guest WiFi</li><li>Last booking made from booking system</li><li>Last stamp/interaction from loyalty scheme</li><li>Latest reviews from different platforms</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2) The Trigger Event</h5>



There’re various trigger events that you can set up here. Use&nbsp;this campaign for your regular customers but also to retain those who haven’t been at your venue for a while.



Possible trigger events:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Is a one time-visitor</li><li>Is a regular customer but has only been in one venue</li><li>Has not visited for a while</li><li>Is a user of your loyalty scheme (active and non-active)</li><li>Has recently left a positive review</li></ul>



Make sure to set up&nbsp;automated triggers&nbsp;as well to save some time.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3) The Messaging</h5>



Take the chance to&nbsp;introduce your full brand portfolio&nbsp;and highlight what makes venues different from each other. Also, emphasise that customers can expect the same level of outstanding customer experience across.



Besides, this campaign is ideal for&nbsp;cross-event promotions to boost bookings&nbsp;and get customers coming back on a frequent basis. You can also use it to promote quieter times in one venue to spread your bookings more evenly.



And don’t forget to link to your individual venues and to include a booking call-to-action for each of them.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">4) The Offer</h5>



Offers and deals should be part of your campaign here. This could for example be an&nbsp;introductory offer&nbsp;for customers to try your other venues, like a ‘%-off first visit’ or a ‘drink for free’.&nbsp;



For your cross-event promotions, you might also include an&nbsp;early-bird deal&nbsp;targeted at your loyal customers.



Here’s what your email could include:



Subject line &#8211; [Name], check out our [venue] and get %-off your first visit



Fancy a [venue special]? We’ve got you covered at our [venue]. /



As a [item] lover you have to check out our exclusive range of [item] at [venue]. /



Glad you’ve enjoyed your visit at [venue], why not check out our other [venues]?



Come by and get %-off your first visit. / Your first drink is on us!



DON’T MISS OUT &#8211; BOOK NOW



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-the-outcome">5) The Outcome</h5>



First and foremost this cross-venue promotion campaign will help you to&nbsp;increase the number of visits per customer across all venues. And of course, more footfall and event bookings ultimately lead to more revenue.



Be sure to have a read of our&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/cru-holdings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRU holdings case study</a>&nbsp;to find out how a cross-venue promotion campaign has worked out for them.&nbsp;



And don’t miss the last part of this series on how our 5 step recipe can help you to foster brand advocacy.



Need help sending out your first cross-venue promotions?&nbsp;<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with one of our team who are happy to run you our marketing product.

More Sales With Cross-Venue Promotion And Personalised Marketing [Part 4/5]

Today, online reputation is everything. Within this, TripAdvisor and Facebook can be seen as the major players in the hospitality reputation space. But online reputation is also probably the most difficult thing to control. Once something is published online, it stays there. What if there would be a way of controlling it through your offered Guest WiFi?







<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The importance of online reputation</h4>



When asked by TripAdvisor, 93% of customers said that online reviews impact their booking decisions and that 53% of customers say they won’t visit a venue that doesn’t have any online reviews. 



Additionally, a study by Cornell University found that a 1x increase in a venue’s average user rating on a 5-point scale makes potential customers 13.5% more likely to come along. 



It’s pretty clear that <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/">online reputation</a> should be a critical objective for any business operating in the service industry. Especially, as online reviews affect bookings, revenue and much more. Both in the positive and negative direction. So, getting the control back over your online reviews and hence reputation should be your utmost goal.



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<div class="wp-block-media-text" style="grid-template-columns:38% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-1024x768.png" alt="Reviews-feature" class="wp-image-13241" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-1024x768.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-300x225.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-768x576.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-150x113.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-560x420.png 560w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-900x675.png 900w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-592x444.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-80x60.png 80w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more-120x90.png 120w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Addons-reviews_more.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Get the control back over your online reviews.



<a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/">Check out our Reviews Feature.</a>
</div></div>



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In order to get the most accurate picture of your guest experience, it’s important to get as much guest feedback as possible. As your online reputation is mainly built based on this feedback. However, if you don’t have your customers&#8217; contact details, how can you do this? 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Boost your online reputation with your Guest WiFi</h4>



Well, one obvious way is having an automated solution, integrated with your guest WiFi. This would allow you to send emails / SMS to your customers, asking them to review you on TripAdvisor and like you on Facebook. Pretty straight forward. 



With <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Stampede</a><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/"></a><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/"> Guest WiFi</a>, you offer your customers a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">great WiFi experience</a> whilst they are on your premises. In addition, Stampede now has an integration that will automatically email guests after they have left, encouraging them to leave an online review on TripAdvisor and like you on Facebook. Also, it&#8217;s entirely up to you if you want to send this notification directly after they&#8217;ve left or an hour or so later.



On top of that, Stampede customers have experienced a 200% increase in Facebook likes by offering a smart guest WiFi solution.



Do you want to achieve the same results? Why not contact Stampede and start increasing your online reputation and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-wifi-can-help-boost-guest-reviews-of-your-venue/">get more TripAdvisor reviews</a> and Facebook likes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="#schedule-demohttps://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>



Or sign-up for a free trial today. Boost your online reputation by using your Guest WiFi.



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Improve Your Online Reputation Through Guest WiFi

Mother’s Day is one of those occasions that should be boldly marked on all calendars. As a business, you don’t only want to play your role in honouring moms around the world but you also want to use the event to your advantage from a marketing perspective. So, get ready for Mother&#8217;s Day with our creative promotion ideas for your venue.







Did you know that an average of <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/87m-adults-visit-restaurant-mothers-day-survey-says">87 million adults take their mothers out</a> to a restaurant for Mother’s Day each year? This makes the day worthy of some strategic marketing efforts that will help you to surpass your month’s target. 



In case you are <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/free-restaurant-promotions-ideas/">short on creative promotion ideas</a> for the upcoming Mother&#8217;s Day, don’t worry, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re rustling up some Mother’s Day campaigns for the first time or you are looking for new and trendy ideas, our fun and innovative tips below will help you get off to a successful start.



8 Brilliant Ways to Engage Your Audiences This Mother’s Day:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start by Advertising Your Mother’s Day Promotion as A Rare Event</h4>



Even though the occasion comes around once every year, it doesn’t mean that you cannot market this Mother’s Day as “THE” Mother’s Day of all mother’s days. By marketing your Mother’s Day event as a “once-off never to happen again occasion”, you’ll create a sense of urgency. This should intrigue your repeat customers as well as potential new ones.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Let Your Audiences Know That Moms Will Get Special Treatment</h4>



Your audiences want their moms to get extra special treatment on this very special day. So, plan a treat and let it be known to the world! Whether you hand out chocolates, flowers, or a free glass of wine, make sure your patrons know what’s going to be in store for them.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Create A Unique Dining Experience</h4>



Your regular patrons may look for a new venue to celebrate Mother’s Day unless you give them a reason to stick around. We suggest you spice things up a little. Instead of serving your regular lunch, why not host a high-tea, a Champaign breakfast, or a cocktail evening?



By creating a unique dining experience, you get to hold on to your regular customers and at the same time, you can encourage new ones to enter your doors.



Also, if you plan your event right, you will create a lasting impression and new guests may just visit you again to try out your regular menu.&nbsp; &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Connect with Local Mom’s Groups</h4>



This is targeted marketing at its finest. For Mother’s Day, you want to host moms and their families galore. So, where better to find moms than at your local mom’s groups! Yup, you can plan your unique event and then send promotional flyers and emails to nearby churches, day-cares, and other organisations that are woman-focused.&nbsp;



You can also ask these groups to participate in surveys. A detailed survey will give you the info you need to plan an event that caters to “what moms want”.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Host a Mother’s Eve Event</h4>



By hosting a Mother’s Eve event, you can capitalise on this special occasion on more than one day. Why not hold a cocktail evening the night before where the ladies can have a fun and carefree night out before celebrating with their families? You can offer free drinks to all moms with the promise of a family brunch the next day. It’s genius!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. Cater to the Kids</h4>



The fastest way to mom’s heart is to treat her kids lovingly. That’s why we think a Mother’s Day promotion that includes entertaining the kids at a restaurant is a brilliant idea. Mom can sip her wine in peace while you bring in the kiddie’s entertainment and childminders. Get the kids to make Mother’s Day cards while they wait for their meals to arrive and you’ll get extra brownie points!



Use social media platforms such as Facebook to create an event page where you list the family entertainment that will be available. You can then use the paid marketing option to promote this event far and wide. 



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-nail-customer-service-for-families/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-nail-customer-service-for-families/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. Run A Contest with Moms in Mind</h4>



A contest will allow you to capitalise from this occasion on the days leading up to the big event. For example, during the month of March, all moms who visit your venue can be entered into a draw. You can announce the winners on Mother’s Day. And to take one step further, all prizes can be used to draw customers back to your establishment (such as meal vouchers, for instance). 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. Highlight Your Inclusivity</h4>



Do not alienate a subsection of mothers and families by only catering to one version of what “mom” can mean. Moms can come in all forms and the role can be filled by plenty of people from grandmothers and aunties to teachers and nannies. Families can have more than one mom too, so make sure your perspective of Mother’s Day fits this diversity.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How to Promote Your Mother’s Day Event and Promotions</h4>



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/">Use social media</a> to create a big hype and talk about how moms are going to miss out if they’re not there to be wined, dined, and treated.  </li><li>Use your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">database to send out emails and SMS’s</a> to notify your customers of what they can expect. If you haven’t started compiling a database yet…now’s the time (<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-03">contact us</a> for more info).</li><li>Hand out flyers to targeted audiences such as your local churches, schools, and mom’s groups. </li></ol>



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/gathering-the-right-data-for-your-restaurant-marketing/">https://stampede.ai/blog/gathering-the-right-data-for-your-restaurant-marketing/</a>



Successful busy events such as Mother’s Day can be the difference between building a loyal customer base and a bad reputation – but, with a bit of forethought and a touch of creativity, you’ll be building lasting loyalty. For more information on how you can attract customers and retain them, please contact Stampede for an innovative take on marketing technology. 



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Getting Ready for Mother’s Day – Creative Promotion Ideas

<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-may-amp-june-2025-social-media-calendar">Free May &amp; June 2025 Social Media Calendar</h1>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-up-your-social-feeds-for-the-new-year-grab-60-days-worth-of-content-inspiration">Fire up your social feeds for the new year: grab 60 days&#8217; worth of content inspiration! </h4>



Operating a business and at the same time staying on top of your social media content can be tough. Constantly coming up with new and engaging ideas for your next posts takes time you might not always have.



Download your free social media calendar for May and June 2025 now.



Featuring topical post ideas, hashtags suggestions and image inspiration for each month, including Star Wars Day, Royal Ascot, Father&#8217;s Day and BBQ week among others.

If you logged into your Connect dashboard and noticed that things looked a bit slicker, you&#8217;ll be relieved to know that your eyes aren&#8217;t deceiving you. What you&#8217;re witnessing is the debut of our newest release: Connect V3.0!

We&#8217;ve been Beta testing the dashboard for a few weeks now. We appreciate the feedback we have gotten during this time and have made some changes based on your input.
<h2>General</h2>
First off &#8211; as we mentioned above, we&#8217;ve done a total redesign of the user interface. You&#8217;ll find all the menus you need to offer awesome Guest WiFi right at the top of the dashboard. Even better, we&#8217;ve made it even easier to get to the dashboard &#8211; you can login with Google! New notifications include network online/offline and notifications for capture connections, payments and validated emails.
<h2>Marketing Suite</h2>
We&#8217;ve included a whole raft of marketing templates so you can get started with our automated marketing features right away.
<h2>Integrations</h2>
Our bigggest integration feature is the addition of support for Cisco Meraki equipment. Here&#8217;s a quick video that shows you how to get started.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b5pEDFzJ1J8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
We&#8217;ve also simplified the UniFi integration so that you only have to enter your controller details once and likewise for Paypal. No matter what equipment you&#8217;re using, with Stampede you&#8217;ll be up and running in minutes.
<h2>White Label Partners</h2>
For our White Label Partners, we&#8217;ve added a support link to the dashboard so customers can reach you directly.
<h2>And We&#8217;re Not Done Yet!</h2>
We&#8217;re always looking for ways to make Connect better for you, so if you&#8217;ve got an idea or suggestion, head over to our feature page and let us know.
And start getting ready for Connect V4.0 &#8211; it&#8217;s going to be a mind-blower!
What are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Connect 3.0 is Here!

When it comes to running a restaurant you are quite literally dealing with some very picky taste buds. Just like when asking your patrons how they like their steak, you are never going to get the same response each time someone then goes on to leave a review.&nbsp;That&#8217;s where guest<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/"> review management</a> should come into place.







None of us are perfect, and the same is absolutely true for any business. Sometimes the quality might slip a little more than is ideal. Or perhaps you’ve gone out of your way to please your customer, and they are still not happy with the service they received. It’s frustrating, right?&nbsp;



If that sounds like you, don’t be discouraged. Running a restaurant is tough, but there are some great practical ways you can deal with negative reviews, that might even leave your business better off for it.&nbsp;



The reality is there’s a fine line between managing your reviews and letting them <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-power-of-reviews-and-recommendations/">sink your business</a>. So if you own a restaurant, here’s how to master your review management for the better.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Customer First Approach</h4>



As the saying goes “the customer is always right”. While the reality for those actually working behind the scenes might give a different response, what is true is that without any customers you don’t have a business. This could not be any more true in the restaurant trade, where you need a constant stream of diners to keep your business afloat.&nbsp;



It’s important to get into the mindset of your customer to understand both positive and negative feedback. Getting lots of positive feedback feels great for your whole team, and you could even look to reward particular chefs or wait staff that go beyond to give great customer experience.&nbsp;



If you receive a negative review then that means your customer has had a bad experience. The first port of call is to get on top of why that is. The key is <a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/examples-good-service-restaurant-industry-38058.html">to perfect your customer service</a> so that all your staff are on the same page, and know-how to professionally deal with the situation.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Social Media Complaints</h4>



Social media is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s an incredible tool that can market your restaurant to thousands of potential customers. On the other, it’s a place where people can say exactly what they want about the experience they had with you. Even if it’s not true! Unlike in the old days where this would be handled over the phone or even in an email &#8211; it’s public for anyone to see.&nbsp;



So, what exactly should you do if you get a bad review on social media? It’s important to think about your response before you jump in. Remember that although we all use social media outside of work, it’s a very different beast when it concerns your business. Therefore, you must respond appropriately.&nbsp;



There have been many cases where restaurant owners <a href="https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/tripadvisor-review-indian-restaurant-response-16801045">have responded inappropriately</a> to negative reviews. The outcome has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. All it takes is one screenshot and your business could be forever tarnished.&nbsp;



When crafting your response, remember you’re not just replying to the person who made the complaint, you’re also replying to all those who will see it when researching your restaurant to book. You need to show that you value your customers and are on top of any issues that may have occurred.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Sweetener Deals</h4>



The last thing you want is to see a negative guest review about your restaurant without trying to remedy the situation. If it’s in a public arena such as Facebook or TripAdvisor, it will only make your restaurant look as if it doesn’t care enough to respond, or worse still that it’s all true!&nbsp;



If a genuine problem or mistake has occurred, the best course of action is to contact the affected parties. It’s important that no matter whether someone is praising your restaurant or is grumbling about it, you respond with the same level of customer service.



One way of showing an apology <a href="https://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/customer-care/customer-complaints/how-to-handle-customers-that-ask-for-compensation">is to offer something to your customer</a>, known as a sweetener deal. Sweetener deals could include a refund on their meal or a discount on a future visit. You could even throw in a free drink, dessert or side if they are currently still in your restaurant.&nbsp;



If there has been a mix up with an order, this is a great remedy and it can really nip a potentially bad review in the bud. Sweetener deals may have a small cost involved to the business, but can save potentially thousands in lost custom due to negative reviews.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Appreciate the Learning Curve</h4>



Let’s be honest, nobody likes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/04/27/do-people-really-look-at-facebook-reviews-heres-why-it-matters/#51485b663b7b">getting a bad review about their business</a>. Not only does it feel pretty deflating, it can also harm your reputation. It is, however, something that’s unavoidable at least in small doses.



When someone leaves you a bad review, you need to take the time to recognise why that’s the case and if you or your team could have done anything differently. It might actually be an issue you weren’t previously aware of, so rectifying this could improve the customer experience for all your diners.&nbsp;



Food is a very personal thing so it’s impossible to please everyone all the time. It does, however, speak volumes if you are at least willing to listen to customer complaints and make the effort to take action off the back of it.&nbsp;



Running a restaurant can be stressful, not least when you have to respond to negative reviews within a public arena. The main thing to take away is that it’s important to face up to all reviews good and bad and learn from the situation. You must always put a professional foot forward and look for the best ways to remedy the situation without causing further problems.&nbsp;



If you run a restaurant, have you discovered our review management system? Our software can <a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/?referrer=stampede.ai#reviews">display all of your reviews from social media in one place</a>, and remove the prominence of any bad ones for your peace of mind. Plus, we can streamline your marketing with personalised emails, SMS and automated messages, to keep your customers in the loop about your latest <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/free-restaurant-promotions-ideas/">deals and promotions</a>, sending updates right to their phones. 



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By having your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-value-of-restaurant-marketing-automation/">restaurant marketed professionally</a>, you can concentrate on what you do best &#8211; serving up delicious food with amazing customer service.&nbsp;



<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-03">Book your demo today. </a>

Guest Review Management

The troubling news:&nbsp;72% of hospitality operators have noticed a dip in visitor frequency&nbsp;recently. But more importantly:&nbsp;59% have also observed an increase in spend per head!



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While the frequency might go down, customers want to treat themselves whilst they’re out.



So, what’s the best way for hospitality operators to tackle this? Level up your&nbsp;upselling strategy!



Here are two simple techniques you can use to increase spend per head and table.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deploy-marketing-for-pre-visit-upselling">Deploy Marketing For Pre-Visit Upselling</h5>



There are many opportunities to make some additional sales before customers come to your venue.



Start with your&nbsp;booking confirmation email. Make sure to highlight any offers or special packages straight away. Give customers a sneak peek of what they might miss out on and leave them with an&nbsp;easy option to book any add-ons.



On top of that, send an automated SMS (or email) the day before or on the day of the booking. This message should focus on your promotions once again but this time&nbsp;create some urgency, i.e.&nbsp;&#8220;last chance to enjoy our …”, “you don’t want to miss our … special”.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2 Quick Win In-Venue Upselling Ideas</h5>



The biggest upselling opportunities present themselves once customers are actually at your venue.



Check out these two proven in-venue techniques that will help you increase spend per head:



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">1) Train your staff for at-the-table upselling</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Use cross-selling and offer pairing recommendations, i.e. drinks or sides</li><li>Make personal staff or customer-based recommendations &#8211;&nbsp;“I love our new …”, “One of our most popular …”</li><li>Try to upsell on high-margin items and suggest the larger option first</li><li>Highlight popular daily or seasonal menu specials</li><li>Make personalised recommendations based on previous visits &#8211;&nbsp;“Same … as usual?”</li><li>Let customers sample drinks</li><li>Offer desserts to go</li></ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">2) Use digital upselling</h6>



The most effective in-venue upselling technique is to&nbsp;push your&nbsp;promotions directly to your customers&#8217; phones. Instead of relying solely on table displays which might not grab their attention.



This digital upselling can be done through a&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#upsell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captive portal WiFi solution</a>. Once customers have joined your WiFi you can immediately reach out to them with automated marketing messages.



Using digital tools for upselling also helps you to&nbsp;compensate for any staff shortages and busier periods.



<a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out</a>&nbsp;to find out more about how our Guest WiFi solution can help you increase spend per head massively through&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#upsell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital upselling</a>.

How To Sell More And Increase Spend Per Head With Upsell

New Data Source: Stampede x Toggle For More Repeat Customers

EnGenius Tech now a Stampede technology partner

5 Tips for Setting Up WiFi for Your Restaurant or Pub [Updated for 2022]

Introducing AI Segments for Marketing

A more effective ways to run Meta ads for hospitality

4 Ways CRM Data Can Be Used in Day-to-Day Service by Your Staff

How to Use Segmentation to Increase Guest Engagement in Hospitality

Introducing Quick Campaigns

Snap Box – Stampede Network Application

A new kind of marketplace for hospitality apps

October Update – 3x Faster Guest WiFi and more

New Features & Updates – September 2023

Feature Update – Improved campaigns, reporting and imports

Have you ever heard this one?

There is a famous marketing phrase, which goes along the lines of “the one marketing strategy that can’t miss, is to market to your best customers first!”
The traditional Guest WiFi journey for bars, cafés, and restaurants is that your customer walks in, uses the WiFi and walks out, never leaving a trace. Are you missing the chance to market to your best customers first?
Hospitality businesses that do not offer free customer Wi-Fi are losing competitive 
edge to these ones that do. Smartphones are by themselves reaching 50% of all time digital media time spent, and the time is used not only for web browsing, but also social interactions, research, and even purchases.
With Stampede, Smart Social WiFi, not only can you market your business to customers, when your guests are taken to your Facebook page, they are promoting your business to their friends, without you having to do anything.
People use their phones all the time. Look around any cafe, restaurant or bar and it’s easy to find multiple people looking at their smartphones. Why not use that to your business’s advantage and market to your best customers with loyalty programs, special offers or discounts, while your customers are on-premise?
With Stampede You can market to your best customers first and they, in turn, can help promote your business. It is a smart decision and when the money is flowing you’ll know you&#8217;ve made the right WiFi and marketing decisions.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

How Important Is Mobile Marketing?

When it comes to growing a tech business, recurring revenue is the key. Finding a profitable monthly service that you can resell to your customers can prove the difference between your incidental revenue and jumping from project to project. So what’s there left to offer your customers? Have you thought about WiFi as a service?







<h4 class="wp-block-heading">A Typical Networking Client</h4>



Offering WaaS (WiFi as a Service) even makes more sense when revisiting the services you’re already providing to your customers. 



Let’s take a look at a typical scenario. One where you’re managing the IT of a hospitality business. Your client probably has a server and a few workstations, or, more likely nowadays, a few workstations storing everything in the cloud. Then there’s the POS stations and their attendant networks. Last, but not least, let’s not forget the free (unsecured) WiFi connection the business offers for their customers.



On the backend side, you’ve got everything all tightened and secure&#8230;and on the frontend side, you’ve got an open WiFi network with a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/take-the-risk-out-of-guest-wifi/">password written</a> on a chalkboard for all the world to see.



Not an ideal situation.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Enter WiFi as A Service and Captive Portal</h4>



You’re already servicing the hospitality business as an IT guy, so why not take on the customer WiFi as well? 



That’s where we come in. Instead of an open connection, Stampede verifies WiFi users through what is known as a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/wifi-in-your-venue-login-once-login-forever" target="_blank">captive portal</a>. 



In order to access the network, users have to enter and validate their email address. Once the email has been checked, users are free to roam the internet at will. The cool part &#8211; at least for your hospitality customers &#8211; comes in capturing that customer data. In addition to email addresses, the captive portal can ask for information like first and last names, gender, location and even custom questions. The choice is yours. But all these valuable customer insights can help you to get a better understanding of who they are and what they like.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Managed from One Central Dashboard</h4>



You’re the IT guy &#8211; that’s what your customers are paying for. They don’t want to be bothered with checking their networks for security, which is another great reason where Wifi As a Service comes into play. 



From <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="one centralised dashboard (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-advantages-of-managed-wifi-for-your-hospitality-chain/" target="_blank">one centralised dashboard</a> in Stampede &#8211; accessible from any computer, laptop or tablet with internet access &#8211; you’ll be able to manage your client’s WiFi network. 



Someone abusing the network and sucking down bittorrents? You’ll get an automatic alert to let you know so you can nip this sort of nonsense in the bud. Nogoodniks hanging out in the street in front of your customer’s location sneakily signing in to use the network? Use the dashboard to schedule WiFi on and off times. &nbsp;And <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/offer-gdpr-compliant-wifi-with-blackbx" target="_blank">GDPR compliance</a>? Yep, we got that covered, too.



Oh yeah, and as an IT professional, here’s something you’ll really appreciate: because Stampede operates in the cloud, there’s nothing to update or patch. Ever.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bringing Automated Marketing to Your Customers</h4>



Here’s where our&nbsp;captive portal solution goes one step further. With access to a wealth of customer data, you can take your customers business to the next level. Take patron email data and import it into mail marketing software like MailChimp so they can send out a newsletter to an email list. 



Even cooler, what about creating <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank">automated marketing messages with SMS or emails</a>? It’s easy. For example, set a rule that sends a patron an automated message 30 minutes after they’ve left the venue, asking them to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/press/how-wifi-can-help-boost-guest-reviews-of-your-venue" target="_blank">provide a review on TripAdvisor</a>. Or to post their pictures of their visit (or let&#8217;s be honest, their food) on Instagram.



But you’re a busy IT guy, you say. You don’t have time to do marketing for your customers. No worries. With Stampede, you can hand the reins over to your customer or their hospitality marketing agency to let them send their own automated messages. Don’t worry, with the granular user controls in the dashboard, they won’t be able to mess up any settings.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bringing Hospitality Marketing Agencies into the Mix</h4>



Speaking of hospitality marketing, here’s another business opportunity with WiFi&nbsp;as a Service: offer a WaaS package to hospitality marketing agencies and see what kind of business you can do together. This, in turn, could lead to even more opportunities. 



For example, if a pub or restaurant sees you offering them exceptional WiFi service, your name is going to be first and foremost in their minds when their IT equipment starts acting up.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ready to Start Offering WiFi as a Service?</h4>



No matter what you call yourself &#8211; Managed Service Provider, IT Solutions Provider, Computer Dude. We hope this article has shown you some of the benefits of offering WiFi as a Service. 



We&#8217;ve used the example of the hospitality industry in this article, but we&#8217;re sure you can see how this service model could apply to just about any industry as well.



If you&#8217;re not already offering WiFi as a Service and want to take the leap, we hope you give us&nbsp;a try. And if you want to kick our tires before you drive us off the lot, we won&#8217;t take offence.



Just click the link below to get started with a no-obligation, free trial.&nbsp;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>

Why Offer WiFi as a Service?

Online reviews are increasingly driving customers both towards &#8211; and away from &#8211; service businesses such as coffee shops, bars, and hairstylists.&nbsp;







As humans, we are hard-wired to attach more importance to the experience of others than what a company may try to tell us about themselves. Our natural scepticism makes us believe the apparently independent reviews and all-important “star rating” that we see. Especially, when we search for a company on Google or Google Maps more than the companies’ own words about themselves.&nbsp;



As could only be expected with such a powerful trend in the marketplace, it wasn’t long before some individuals tried to game the system. Who can forget the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/06/garden-becomes-top-rated-london-restaurant-tripadvisor-site/">man</a> who made his garden shed the top-rated restaurant in London on TripAdvisor, for example?! The ease of setting up new accounts on many review sites might tempt hospitality business owners or employees to try a similar trick. However, there are plenty of ways in which this can backfire spectacularly.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why it might seem so tempting to leave fake reviews… and why you should resist it</h4>



Your online review rating suffers from another well-known quirk of human psychology; we are more likely to tell others of a negative experience than we are about a positive experience. According to <a href="https://www.inc.com/andrew-thomas/the-hidden-ratio-that-could-make-or-break-your-company.html">Inc Magazine</a>, it takes an average of 40 positive customer experiences to make up for just one negative (1 star) review! In the face of such daunting statistics, it is certainly tempting to “level the playing field” a bit by leaving some positive reviews for yourself.&nbsp;



Apart from all the ethical reasons why you shouldn’t do this, there are some solid common-sense reasons too. Firstly, fake reviews can often be detected. Not just by the review platform, but also by punters looking to make a decision on who to award their business to.&nbsp;



There’s something about a glowing five-star review that is light on substance. But heavy on praise which just seems&#8230; instantly suspicious. The “Amazon effect” spills over into your customers’ consciousness. It is now a well-known fact that Amazon is flooded with fake reviews. Therefore, people have sharpened up their BS filters accordingly!&nbsp;



Secondly, there’s no reason to stress unduly over an individual bad review &#8211; or even a handful of them. Believe it or not, they can actually <a href="https://neilpatel.com/blog/your-business-needs-negative-reviews/">boost your credibility rating</a>. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/">Provided you respond to each</a> in a positive, professional way, apologising to the customer for their poor experience. Also, inviting them to get in touch to discuss it further. When a potential customer sees this, they will instinctively know they are looking at real customer interactions. And not fake ones &#8211; and they will trust you more accordingly.&nbsp;



As a bonus, the presence of a few negative reviews means that punters will also attach a higher level of credibility to the other reviews they see on the business as a result!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Technology to the rescue?</h4>



There is a final and persuasive reason. You should give all the incentive you need not to risk playing with the fire of fake reviews.&nbsp;



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">Technology platforms</a> now exist that allow service businesses like yours to harness the power of online reviews in your favour. In a far more effective (not to mention far more ethically sound!) way than you could ever hope to achieve by posting fake reviews.&nbsp;



For example, our <a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/?referrer=stampede.ai">own system</a> has two powerful features that allow small to medium business owners to boost their online review ratings. A system to remind customers to leave reviews via SMS text message or email. Thereby overcoming the traditional apathy that those who had a positive experience might otherwise feel. Even further, our system places negative/low (1 to 3 star) ratings into a “holding area” for you to deal with before they get published online!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">A brave new world for traditional service businesses&nbsp;</h4>



Traditional “brick and mortar” type businesses can’t afford to ignore online reviews. Or, for that matter, the importance of offering WiFi to their customers &#8211; any longer. Did you know, for example, that 70% of people prefer bars &amp; pubs that have access to WiFi?&nbsp;



As <a href="https://marketingartfully.com/what-are-important-customer-demographics/">customer demographics</a> change, statistics like these are only likely to ever move in one direction. Towards an increasingly connected, mobile, online world. Along with this, review platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, and Facebook are adding new security measures and compliance systems to monitor and weed out fake reviews. Having noted the bad publicity that the ability of some organisations to rig the system in their favour have resulted in.&nbsp;



The good news is that accessing smart technology can help even the smallest coffee bar attract and retain loyal customers is easier than at any point before. Not to mention extremely affordable too. Sophisticated online marketing tools that used to be the sole preserve of big chains and nationwide organisations is now within the reach of the most time-pressed service business owner.



Along with this, the power of social media, which is encouraging many individuals to seek out an individual or unique experience that they wouldn’t get elsewhere that they can then share with their friends online. All works in favour of smaller, more bespoke establishments like yours.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bringing it all together&nbsp;</h4>



In conclusion, fake reviews, whether purchased or placed yourself, are simply not worth the risk. Here’s what you should consider instead to boost your online review ratings:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Leave a polite response to any negative reviews that you receive online. Apologising sincerely (no matter how unfair the review might seem!) and asking the reviewer to get in touch. That way you can discuss their problem directly with you so you can look into it further</li><li>Encourage more positive reviews to be left by going the extra mile to impress customers with your own unique touch. Asking them to review you. If you want to automate the process of asking for reviews, systems like Stampede can do all the heavy lifting for you. Leaving you to focus on the customer service angle!&nbsp;</li><li>Consider the use of a review management platform. This allows you to place low reviews in a “holding area” before they get published. So you have an opportunity to intervene and make things right</li><li>Ask review platforms to investigate and remove reviews that you have reason to believe are fake</li></ol>



We hope you found this article useful. Watch this space for future posts that can help you take your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">service business to the next level</a>!&nbsp;Or why not give our reviews feature a try?



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

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Top o&#8217; the morning to ye, everyone!

Just wanted to wish everyone out there a happy and safe St. Patrick&#8217;s Day. Why are we so excited about St. Pat&#8217;s? Well, that might just be because our founder and CEO is named Patrick.
With that in mind, here&#8217;s Patrick with some tips on how to keep your Guest WiFi safe, secure and full of craic on St. Patrick&#8217;s Day and way into the future.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GL-8TzK2rjk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Have a great St. Patrick&#8217;s Day! And if Patrick and his Leprechaun sidekick have inspired you in any way to upgrade your Guest WiFi to our secure Stampede WiFi solution, why not sign up for a free trial by clicking the button below?
And may the wind be at your back!
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

What would you say if your Guest WiFi can do much more than simply offering an Internet connection to your customers? Even better, what if you could turn the cost for providing free WiFi into some sort of <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-powerful-ways-wifi-marketing-can-grow-your-business/">tangible return</a>? This is where WiFi Marketing and its benefits come into place.



It allows you to use the information gained through your offered WiFi to increase your revenue, footfall, customer satisfaction and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-value-of-restaurant-marketing-automation/">much more</a>. But how exactly does that work? And how could your business benefit?







<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-wifi-marketing-work">How Does WiFi Marketing Work?</h4>



<a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/articles/wifi-marketing-and-your-business">WiFi Marketing</a> is perhaps one of the most useful tools for businesses looking to engage with their customers in different ways. Check out this short video to get a better understanding of what it means and how easy it is to set-up with using Stampede.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="WiFi Marketing | Stampede" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uX-Vy3m0dcg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



WiFi Marketing allows you to send individualised SMS and email messages to your customers, depending on their behaviour. Assuming, some customers regularly come to your venue, some only have been there once. How can you now use WiFi marketing to offer a much more personalised experience in both cases, positively <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-hospitality-operators-can-use-data-to-reveal-loyal-customers">affecting overall loyalty</a>?



Example campaign ideas could be sending a customer a text message after their 5th visit to your venue. This message could contain a special offer, i.e. a free drink.



This offer is an effective opportunity to reward your customers for their loyalty. Not only helping them feel more valued by your brand but also significantly increases the chances of them returning to your venue and spending more money.



Same applies for turning one-time visitors into repeat ones. What about a special deal (15% your next food bill) to encourage them to re-visit. This offer can be triggered by all customers who have not been at your venue for let&#8217;s say a month. And who would not come back for such a deal?



Even more, these campaigns, once set-up, ran automatically. Therefore, especially handy for busy business owners who don&#8217;t have much time. Also, no IT or marketing expertise required, promised. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-this-better-than-original-marketing">Why Is This Better Than Original Marketing?</h4>



This new method of marketing is disrupting common marketing methods as we know them. To top all this, its unique way of user engagement has proven to convert up to 5x more customers than the industry average. Amazing right? 



Conversation rates show that 24.68% of people who receive a personalised SMS message are likely to return, which is significantly higher than the industry average.



In addition, there is much more you can do from the data obtained through your WiFi. Another key benefit of WiFi marketing can be seen in the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">analytics</a> gained. These reach from valuable venue insights, such as dwell times and returning customers to average time spent. 



Based on these findings, special marketing campaigns can be used, for example, to boost quieter times.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-good">Sounds Good?&nbsp;</h4>



Why not get started marketing your business with WiFi today? It&#8217;s easier than you think!&nbsp;

How WiFi Marketing Benefits Your Business

For decades, hospitality businesses have trusted in the power of human labour to keep their venues running. Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises more efficient operations and better-personalised experiences for their customers.&nbsp;



But while AI has comes with huge benefits &#8211; from automating mundane tasks to better understanding customers’ needs &#8211; it also poses potential drawbacks.&nbsp;



Before you decide whether or not integrating AI into your hospitality operations is right for you, take some time to consider both the pros and cons we lay down in this blog article.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ai-is-used-in-the-hospitality-industry">How AI is used in the hospitality industry</h2>



AI is being used in a variety of ways in the hospitality industry, from chatbots that assist with reservations to orders to automated systems that streamline check-in and check-out processes and marketing and sales automation.



It also comes with the ability to predict customer needs and preferences, which can help with recommendations, personalised service and upsell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-advantages-of-using-ai-in-hospitality">Key advantages of using AI in hospitality</h2>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Increased operational efficiency and productivity</h4>



With AI, businesses are able to streamline their operational and administrative processes and automate tasks. This allows for a significant increase in productivity and better resource management.



Moreover, with less manual handling required, there is a reduced chance of human error. Especially when dealing with customer data or uploading and updating spreadsheets, which can be prone to mistakes.



Marketing teams can massively improve their efforts with AI. For example, use data insights to build defined customer segments. The foundation for email and SMS campaigns that really resonate with customers and drive them back to their venue.&nbsp;



With clever <a href="https://stampede.ai/downloads/hospitality-marketing-automation-playbook">campaign automation</a>, operators can additionally save valuable time and staff can focus on more crucial tasks.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Reduced costs</h4>



With the rise of AI, there are new opportunities for hospitality businesses to cut costs.



Routine and repetitive tasks can easily be automated, saving on labour costs. Besides, by implementing AI, operators can bypass ongoing staff shortages.



It also allows for more efficient and accurate decision-making backed by real data insights. So without relying on guesswork, operators can ultimately reduce unnecessary costs in the long run.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Improved customer experience</h4>



The key to retaining customers is to ensure that they have a memorable experience when interacting with your brand. This is where the use of AI comes in.&nbsp;



Businesses can create a much more personalised and tailored experience that is based on customers’ preferences and behaviours.



Moreover, AI can help to connect all of a customer&#8217;s interactions with a brand across various digital channels. This contributes towards a more unified and seamless online experience.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Better forecasting</h4>



In today&#8217;s fast-paced environment, having accurate and timely forecasts can mean the difference between success and failure.&nbsp;



AI has the ability to analyse vast amounts of customer data in a second and provide insights into revenue opportunities that may have otherwise been missed.&nbsp;



Perhaps even more importantly, AI can predict market trends, giving businesses an edge in their strategic planning. By leveraging the preciseness of forecasting, businesses can make smarter decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and ultimately, increase their bottom line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-main-disadvantages-of-using-ai-in-hospitality">Main disadvantages of using AI in hospitality</h2>



Although AI has the potential to take business operations to the next level, it comes with its share of disadvantages that should also be considered.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">&nbsp;1. Impersonal service</h4>



One major issue with AI is the loss of the human touch. Whether it&#8217;s automated customer service systems or self-checkout kiosks, these rather impersonal experiences can negatively affect customer satisfaction.



AI systems can never fully replace human intuition and judgement, which can also lead to errors and inaccuracies in service.&nbsp;



No doubt, the human element is vital to creating a warm and welcoming environment. It&#8217;s through genuine connections with staff that customers feel valued and it&#8217;s those connections that keep them coming back time and time again.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. System failure</h4>



Running a hospitality business is a complex task that requires a lot of moving parts to function well. The success of operations depends heavily on all of the systems working properly.



Unfortunately, when these systems fail, they can cause serious disruption to the entire operation. Rooms may be double-booked, orders may be lost or misplaced and customers may be left waiting for extended periods of time.



As a result, unsatisfied customers and negative reviews can quickly pile up, causing lasting damage to the business.&nbsp;



To mitigate the risk of system failure, it’s important for hospitality operators to have a plan in place in case their AI tool breaks down. By being proactive and prepared, they can ensure a seamless experience for their customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Technological limitations</h4>



The hospitality industry requires technology tools that cater to their particular needs. Customer interactions happen both online and offline. Generic AI tools might not align with their specific requirements and might therefore create more work than taking off the workload if not set up properly.



Even with the right technology tools to hand the various systems used need to interact and talk to each other. Without those <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-common-data-integration-flaws-in-hospitality-tech">integrations</a>, the data flow is disconnected and operators are not able to generate a single customer view.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. High implementation costs</h4>



The implementation of these tools often comes at a high cost, making them unaffordable for smaller venues. This situation has forced operators to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is worth investing in AI tools.&nbsp;



While AI can bring about significant returns, it may not be a worthwhile investment for all businesses. However, as technology continues to advance, we may see a rise in more cost-effective solutions that cater to a range of budgets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



In conclusion, there are pros and cons of using AI in the hospitality industry that should be taken into account.&nbsp;



Technology can be used to save money, increase efficiency, improve customer experience and enable more precise forecasting. However, many operators are still struggling with the lack of human element when it comes to dealing with customers and their needs.&nbsp;



Furthermore, technological limitations should not be disregarded as they might also cause certain problems when it comes to adapting AI to existing processes.&nbsp;



Finally, before making any investments in AI, operators should evaluate the costs associated with them as this could highly affect their financial situation.&nbsp;



All factors taken into consideration, applying AI technology correctly can prove extremely beneficial for restaurants and the hospitality industry in general.



Make sure to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-in-hospitality-marketing-a-complete-guide">check out our full guide</a> exploring AI for hospitality marketing.

The Pros And Cons Of Using AI In Hospitality

<a href="https://www.tempestbrewco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tempest Brewing Co</a>.,&nbsp; a craft beer company nestled in the Scottish Borders, released details of their reopening but with a bit of a twist which caught our attention.



 Instead of another set of policies, guidelines and changes to operations, they have put full focus on their events program as their route to reopening.



 Their Tap Sessions events were a feature of their taproom before nationwide lockdown and the sessions are now live again as hospitality opens back up again. Every session is “built around a theme” and each person gets 5 different beers to try, a tasting session with the brewer, some bar snacks and a drink to take away for later.



 It’s a few small changes that make it stand out in your inbox or social feed.



 A “you must pre-book” policy now becomes “book your space at our regular events”. The “limited numbers of customers at a time” becomes a “private beer tasting event” with plenty of available slots to book in the months to come.



 Repackaging how you reopen presents many other potential benefits. Not only does it stick in people’s minds, but it will also appeal to those people who are perhaps more apprehensive of going to larger venues that are open for (relatively) normal service.



 If you’ve already reopened for normal trade with a&nbsp; “soft-launch” , don&#8217;t worry, the opportunity still exists to do something special to celebrate reopening. Discounts and promotions aren&#8217;t such an obvious choice but special events that make the most of new measures fit well.



Regardless of what you’re doing to promote your reopening, we can help you <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get the message out</a> to your audience, whilst also making the <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/hospitality-reopening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contact details collection</a> easy for everyone when they visit.

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Meet Stampede Inbox: Never Miss Another Message 

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Our Marketing feature has been getting a serious overhaul behind the scenes in recent weeks. We’re pleased to share with you details of this in our Autumn product update.



Highlights include:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Intelligent targeting and list building based on other customer interactions</li><li>Faster, easier template building and management</li><li>A simplified campaign builder &#8211; start to send in 4 clicks.</li><li>More detailed campaign reporting than ever</li></ul>



The momentum behind the updates came directly from the feedback from dozens of our users. So many have been increasing their use of our digital marketing in the last 18 months and their feedback has gone straight back into this latest release



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marketing-update-2021-campaigns2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/1024/498/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMS8wOS9tYXJrZXRpbmctdXBkYXRlLTIwMjEtY2FtcGFpZ25zMi0xMDI0eDQ5OC5wbmc=" alt="Stampede's new marketing campaign dashboard" class="wp-image-20438" width="1024" height="498"/></a><figcaption>The new Campaigns Dashboard</figcaption></figure>



<div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



Let’s take a walk through the refreshed system to see what’s new:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addresses-and-domains">Addresses and Domains</h3>



<meta charset="utf-8">When you first try the new Marketing campaigns, you’ll be asked to verify your sender domain. This new feature improves the deliverability of your emails but also helps to reinforce the presence of your brand within your customers’ inboxes.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marketing-2021-update-domains.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/1024/813/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMS8wOS9tYXJrZXRpbmctMjAyMS11cGRhdGUtZG9tYWlucy0xMDI0eDgxMy5wbmc=" alt="marketing update 2021 domains" class="wp-image-20432" width="768" height="610"/></a></figure></div>



<div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-customer-lists-and-segmentation">Customer Lists and Segmentation</h3>



The way that you choose recipients of your emails has been given some seriously special treatment. Our advanced segment builder lets you deliver high impact, personalised marketing that drives repeat visits like never before.



To help you get started, we’ve created over 30 unique customer segments to inspire your next campaigns and drive revenue from your mailing list. And it’s all powered by the data Stampede helps you collect.



Take a look at some examples:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>People who’ve rated your business 4 stars or higher via Reviews</li><li>Customers who’ve bought a Gift Card but haven’t redeemed it yet</li><li>Loyal fans who are close to filling up their digital Loyalty card</li></ul>



&#8230;plus hundreds more segments when you start to mix and match the possible combinations! And these of course will automatically update as you collect additional customer data from various sources within Stampede.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marketing-update-2021-segments2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/1024/635/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMS8wOS9tYXJrZXRpbmctdXBkYXRlLTIwMjEtc2VnbWVudHMyLTEwMjR4NjM1LnBuZw==" alt="The brand new segmentation menu within Stampede Marketing" class="wp-image-20439" width="768" height="476"/></a><figcaption>A sample of the ready-made segments</figcaption></figure></div>



<div style="height:51px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-email-design-and-templates">Email Design and Templates</h3>



So, what about the emails themselves? Mailchimp users will be pleased to know that you can now directly import your templates and simplify your marketing systems. There’s also a fresh library of email templates from our in-house experts for you to choose from.



For the more technical among you, we’ve made improvements to the HTML email code builder. With auto-complete and syntax highlighting you’ll find it easier than ever to make and change your email templates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaign-reporting">Campaign Reporting</h3>



Now for the numbers bit &#8211; reporting. It’s got all the metrics you’d expect, plus all the ones you’re really here for. Unlike other email marketing providers, Stampede is geared to get you more customers and track those customers when they return. You can even see exactly how much revenue a campaign brings in within the reporting suite. Simply enter the average spend per head and the system does the rest for you. That&#8217;s the beauty of having all the tools connected in the same platform.



No more wondering if, and what is working for your marketing team. We’ve closed the loop when it comes to your digital marketing so you can track the results of your efforts more easily and build upon what works best for your business.



As you can see this was no small update, and we’ve only just skimmed the surface here. All these features are live now in Stampede, you can log in and use them right away If you’d like to talk to us about upgrading to start using it click here.



We look forward to seeing all your future email campaigns &#8211; happy sending!

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In this digitally focussed world, the website may well be a person’s first impression of your pub. It could be argued that having a professionally designed website is just as important as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/running-a-pub-or-bar-add-guest-wifi-to-the-menu/">delivering top-notch customer service</a> and serving the finest ales. However, we appreciate that your skills may lie in everyday bar management rather than website creation and optimisation. It’s for this reason that we’ve created this helpful guide to the building of your pub website.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing The Domain Name</h4>



In the ideal scenario, you would time the selection of a suitable domain name to coincide with the naming of your pub. However, it’s more than likely that you domain name availability wasn&#8217;t top of your priorities when naming your pub. Either way, we recommend choosing a relatively short and easily memorable domain name. This will ideally tie in with your pub’s name and branding. As an example, the popular Magna Carta of Lincoln has the domain name <a href="http://www.magnacartapub.co.uk">www.magnacartapub.co.uk</a>. 



It would be worth spending some time brainstorming a few possibilities before using an online domain checker such as 123 Reg or Go Daddy.&nbsp; You will discover that .com domain names are generally the most expensive. However, you can choose from alternatives such as .co.uk or .biz. There’s even the option of <a href="https://uk.godaddy.com/help/about-pub-domain-names-9208">registering for a .pub domain</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Arranging website hosting</h4>



It will be necessary to arrange hosting prior to your website going live and being accessible to anyone on the internet. Thankfully this is a pretty straightforward process, with the majority of internet service providers offering website hosting packages. The suitable choice of provider will depend on factors such as the amount of website traffic expected, the featuring of images/videos, and the need to keep your website live at all times. 



The digital marketers at UK Centric have produced a helpful beginner’s guide to <a href="https://www.ukcentric.com/hosting/beginners-guide-to-web-hosting/">web hosting</a> &#8211; well worth reading.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Developing The Pub Website</h4>



There are two main options when it comes to the development of your pub website; either do it yourself or hire somebody to do it for you. If you’re on a tight budget and have some confidence in your design skills (or someone you know) then the DIY option may be best. 



Thankfully there are a wide variety of website building tools guaranteed to simplify the process. Popular website builders such as Squarespace and Wix offer a variety of templates ideal for pubs. However, you might be frustrated by the lack of customisation options and the ability to make such a website fit your own style. Of course, it’s your choice whether to build a completely distinctive web presence. In any case, you should consider the impression made on prospective visitors.



Take a look at these bar websites for a bit of inspiration:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.kerridgesbarandgrill.co.uk/">Kerridge’s Bar &amp; Grill</a></li><li><a href="https://felixchs.com/about-restaurant-cocktail-bar/">Felix Cocktail Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.badluckbar.com/">Bad Luck Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.burrobarboston.com/">Burro Bar</a></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Hiring A Web Designer</h4>



There are plenty of choices when it comes to the professional development of your pub website. Hiring an independent, maybe even local expert might be the best bet if you want keep costs down. However, there is also the option of paying for agency services, which may include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and promotional copywriting. These are services that can make your pub website much easier to find on search engines like Google and Bing.



If you’re in any doubt as to the best professional choice then it would be worth having a look for online reviews. You might also ask friends and other local business people for their recommendations.



These factors should be considered when choosing and comparing web designers:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Types of website design experience</li><li>Record of building successful pub websites</li><li>References and recommendations</li><li>Pricing and availability</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Producing The Content</h4>



You should carefully consider the arrangement of content like images and text on your pub website. Details such as the location and opening hours will be essential. You should also ensure that the content matches up with your pub theme and style. This would include the colour scheme and even the written tone of voice of your pub.



Consider the types of customers that you are appealing to when making choices on everything from the featured menu design to the inclusion of pictures and videos. You might entice visitors with tantalising images of your classic pub dishes and events. Again you have the option of drawing on professional assistance when it comes to the writing and curation of content for your pub website. 



Some ideas for content on your pub website:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Lists of upcoming events</li><li>History of the pub if it is long standing</li><li>Inspiration for the pub theme</li><li>Description of features like live sports, craft beer, whisky selection</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Previewing &amp; Testing</h4>



It is important that you take the time to preview and test the different pages of your website before they are published for the world to see. Remember the importance of making the best possible impression, reviewing and making changes to everything from the grammar to the visual layout as necessary. 



Ensure that your website has the ideal visual quality and functions as expected on desktop computers, laptops, and handheld devices such as the smartphone. If there’s any doubt then ask for a second opinion.



Check these elements before your website goes live:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Contact page details (easy to find and correct)</li><li>Page loading speeds (slow page loading annoys people)</li><li>Website links (no 404 error messages when clicked)</li><li>Legal terms and conditions</li><li>Security (remember to register for an <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-ssl">SSL certificate</a>)</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping Your Website Updated</h4>



If you want to attract more web visitors than other pubs in your local area and ensure the best possible experiences then you must keep your website updated. This might involve making basic changes to your contact details or featured menus as and when required. Regular blogging is also recommended for the purpose of keeping your website fresh and achieving top Google search page rankings. 



You could share reviews of your finest beverages, customer stories, and details of upcoming events for the purpose of attracting more people to your pub. You can also raise your pub profile and keep your customers involved via popular social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp;



Here are some <a href="https://99social.co.uk/social-media-tips-for-bars/">social media tips</a> for bar owners:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Snap pics of dishes</li><li>Talk about drinks</li><li>Shout about events</li><li>Get people involved</li><li>Add a personal touch.</li></ul>



Additional social media recommendations can be found on the <a href="https://cask-marque.co.uk/promote-your-beer-and-pub-on-social-media/">Casque Marque</a> website.



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Need some more inspiration on how to get your Guest WiFi up and running in your Pub? 



Have a read here <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/">https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/</a>



Or why not give our Guest WiFi solution a try in your Pub? 



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Easy Steps To Make A Great Website For Your Pub

One of the things that we pride ourselves here at Stampede is our simple integration with some of the world&#8217;s leading WiFi solutions, like Cisco&#8217;s Meraki WiFi access point.

So if you&#8217;re just getting started with Cisco Meraki and looking to integrate it with our awesome Stampede WiFi solution, here&#8217;s a short video on how to get started.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b5pEDFzJ1J8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
See, told you it was easy!
If you need any more information, consult our <a class="" href="https://help.stampede.ai/en/collections/2622359-network-setups" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online help guides</a> or, if you&#8217;ve hit a snag, <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">feel free to drop us a line</a>.
Not running Meraki? No problem, check out our<a href="/blog/ubiquiti-unifi-integration-with-blackbx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ubiquiti UniFi integration video</a> for more help. We&#8217;ll have plenty of these videos coming in the future, so be sure to subscribe to our <a class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc2sJ3nBYJhLGQr_2RM60w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a> and other <a class="" href="https://twitter.com/blackbxwifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">social media networks</a> so you get instant notifications when we upload new videos or tutorials.
And, if you&#8217;re not using Stampede to offer your customers fast, safe and secure WiFi, you&#8217;re missing out on one of the best <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated marketing</a> and <a href="https://get.stampede.ai/loyalty-program-ebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">customer loyalty </a>solutions around. Or, if you&#8217;re an MSP, VAR or IT solutions reseller, and you&#8217;re looking for an additional revenue stream, why not offer <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/wifi-as-a-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WiFi as a Service</a> with Stampede?
In either case, we offer a free, no obligation trial, so what are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://stampede.ai/get-started">Click here to get started.</a>

Cisco Meraki Integration with Stampede

We’re pleased to launch our brand new <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Table Booking</a> system this week!&nbsp;



Technology should make your life easier, not more stressful. That&#8217;s why our intuitive online table reservation feature helps you get more tables booked, and manage your front-of-house operations efficiently.&nbsp;



With Stampede Bookings, businesses can close the loop from customer acquisition to retention and growth as a result, all with one platform (and one monthly subscription).



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-table-booking-features">Key Table Booking Features</h5>



Fully Branded&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Branded booking experience through your website and social channels</li><li>Responsive design fits perfectly on mobile, desktop and tablets.</li></ul>



Table Management



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Manage all table bookings in one place with a grid or list view</li><li>Complete control of table settings &#8211; cover length and number, availability, booking priority</li></ul>



Floor Plans &amp; Timelines



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Build floor plans for your venues</li><li>Table timelines to manage and keep track of all upcoming online reservations and statuses</li><li>Real-time updates for new bookings, no refreshing needed</li></ul>



Email &amp; SMS Reminders



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Send automated email &amp; SMS confirmations and booking reminders to reduce no shows</li></ul>



Website Widget



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Table booking widget designed for mobile, tablet and desktop</li><li>Quick to set up on all major websites</li></ul>



In Sync



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Also available for offline access</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits of Stampede Bookings</h5>



 Stampede Bookings seamlessly <a href="https://stampede.ai/">connects with other Stampede tools</a>, so that you can collect all your customer data in one place with our native CRM platform.



With our other tools, Bookings can more than pay for itself in repeat business.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Track your ROI and growth easily</li><li>Create powerful marketing campaigns and automated messages</li><li>Send post-booking reviews requests automatically to get real customer feedback</li><li>Boost customer loyalty with digital stamp cards</li><li>Gather and analyse your data from various sources</li></ul>



Use <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede Bookings</a> to turn your guests into loyal customers with ease. <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings/#enquire-now" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our team to set up Stampede Bookings at your venue.

New Feature – Stampede Table Booking System

New Feature – Loyalty By Stampede

It’s GDPR month! Yep, that’s right. Believe it or not, May 25, 2018 is right around the corner.

What&#8217;s so special about that date? Glad you asked. Because that&#8217;s when the <a class="" href="https://www.itgovernance.eu/eu-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EU General Data Protection Regulation</a> (GDPR) takes effect, which applies to any organisation that handles EU residents’ personal data.
<h2>Why GDPR?</h2>
Ultimately, GDPR is a good thing for privacy. The GDPR law puts personal data back into the hands of the individual. Users will be able to see what data an organisation holds on them, download it, or even request to have it deleted.
Still confused? Here&#8217;s GDPR explained in two minutes:
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KzM-XLwgfAc" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>What Does this have to do with my business?</h2>
Your business falls under GDPR if it:
<ul>
<li>Has an establishment in the EU</li>
<li>Provides goods or services to EU residents</li>
<li>Monitors the behaviour of EU residents</li>
</ul>
Which means that if you have a business in the EU and you&#8217;re offering WiFi for you customers and collecting data , such as email addresses, to verify their connection &#8211; GDPR applies to you. So after May 25, 2018, you’ll need to stay in compliance with GDPR law. Otherwise, you could be facing a fines of up to <a href="https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/dpa-and-gdpr-penalties" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4% of your revenue or up to 20 million Euros</a>, whichever is greatest.
Yeah, they’re not kidding around.
<h2>GDPR and Stampede</h2>
If you’re offering awesome WiFi through Stampede, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our WiFi service is <a href="/blog/offer-gdpr-compliant-wifi-with-blackbx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fully complaint with all GDPR regulations.</a> You worry about servicing your customers, we&#8217;ll take care of the rest.
If you have any questions about how GDPR will affect your business, feel free to <a class="" href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai" rel=" noopener">drop us a line</a>, call us at +44 (0) 131 510 7008 or reach out to us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blackbxwifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">social media</a>. 
And &#8211; if you&#8217;ve been too worried about GDPR before now to start offering WiFi &#8211; don&#8217;t be! Why not give Stampede a shot? We offer a free, no-obligation trial.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Stampede WiFi and GDPR

Like many industries, it can be tough to drum up repeat trade in the restaurant business. Especially with the ever-changing high street, the cold British weather not to mention competition from larger chains. The good news is that there are many ways you can create repeat business for your small business. Even better, there are many free restaurant promotions ideas. 







In fact, the beauty of having your own restaurant is that you can get creative, making a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-marketing-technologies-all-restaurants-should-be-using/">strateg</a><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-marketing-technologies-all-restaurants-should-be-using/">y</a> that is much more personal for your customers than a bite at McDonald’s.



People love independent restaurants for their homely feel, especially with excellent hospitality and amazing food. Drawing on these strengths <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/building-customer-loyalty-with-blackbx/">creates a sense of loyalty</a>, helping your brand to become adopted by the local population.



If you own a small to a medium-sized restaurant, here’s our top free advice to promote your restaurant and boost your repeat business:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Get Social</h4>



It goes without saying that in the digital age, a social presence is a must when it comes to your business. Facebook and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">Instagram</a>, in particular, are great ways to show off your restaurant. Also, another free way of promoting your restaurant. Whether you advertise deals or introduce new items to your menu, it’s an excellent visual tool to get stomachs rumbling and ultimately feet through the door.



Most of all, it keeps <a href="https://econsultancy.com/five-restaurants-with-first-class-social-media-strategies/">your business in the mindset of your customers</a>. Your restaurant goes from being a physical space they may pass on the high street from time to time, to something they are viewing every time they scroll through their feed. It also gives the ability for tagging, inviting others to dine with you or view your posts.



The more your brand becomes a lifestyle and connects with your customers during their everyday lives, the more likely they are to visit. You can even use social media to advertise bookings for big events such as Christmas Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. It’s a multifaceted tool that can give a huge organic or paid reach, opening you up to new customers even if you’re closed!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Special Offers</h4>



Few of us can <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/infographic-how-likely-are-people-to-act-on-promotions/">resist a bargain</a> and the same is absolutely true when it comes to food. Eating out regularly can seem like a bit of a stretch for some, so getting the right deals will help boost repeat business.



Some restaurants have a set menu where every night there is a different deal, such as “a curry and a pint for £5 on Thursdays”, or “buy one get one free burger on Saturdays”. You can completely tailor deals to the type of cuisine you serve and your clientele. The main thing is that it’s a way excellent of attracting customers, and helps create loyalty. Think of <a href="https://www.dominos.co.uk/blog/two-tuesday/">how successful Domino’s two for Tuesday</a> is!



Don’t forget to advertise any deals on posters or boards to attract passing trade also. The best combination is to combine a great deal with a slow part of the week. Give your customers a reason to head out in the rain and come visit you over the bigger chains down the street.



Be proud of what you do differently as an independent restaurant, and don’t be afraid to share it.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Rewards</h4>



From the traditional reward card that gets stamped each time a customer visits your restaurant, to offering a discount each time someone leaves you a review online &#8211; <a href="https://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/customer-care/customer-loyalty/ten-ways-to-reward-loyal-customers">rewards are an excellent marketing tool in themselves</a>.



In terms of getting repeat business, there are many ways you can make rewards that give you just that. For example, patrons can receive a free drink on their 6th visit. Or, a half-price meal if they return twice in one week. You can tailor the deals to make them work for your restaurant.



Here comes another free restaurant promotion input. Have a read in our eBook on how loyalty programs can help you boost your repeat business.



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Themed Nights</h4>



Everyone likes something to look forward to, and <a href="https://restaurantden.com/restaurant-event-ideas/">themed nights are an excellent way</a> to drum up business both repeat and new. You could hold a jazz night and invite a local musician to play, or even a tapas night. Some restaurants even hold murder mystery nights!



The idea is to create a buzz and expand the potential of your restaurant. If people can visit you for a delicious lunch but also return a few days later for a Halloween night or even a poetry reading &#8211; this is repeat business.



The best part about themed nights is that your customers will likely turn up in groups. This means even more new or repeat business is generated.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



If you own a restaurant and you’re looking to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">increase footfall</a>, it’s time to act now by getting creative. It’s important your business is a place people want to visit more than once in a while, so it’s essential to take steps to make this happen. Our free tips and tricks will help you promote your restaurant more successfully. 



Whether you venture out with themed nights or offer special promotions for your loyal customers, it’s all about getting into the mindset of your patrons. The more customer-friendly your restaurant is, the more likely you are to secure repeat trade.&nbsp;